On November 6, the City of Norman, alongside community partners, broke ground on a new affordable housing project at 521 Leaning Elm, described as an initiative aimed at notably expanding access to affordable housing for Norman residents. This event, dubbed Shovels and Smiles, signaled the beginning of construction for a single-family home with four bedrooms, as reported by the City of Norman's news update. The investment is a joint one, with financial backing from several programs and organizations committed to addressing the housing challenges of the area.
The project will be funded by the City of Norman HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the Norman 2015 Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), and an extra investment from the Norman Affordable Housing Corporation (NAHC) totaling $396,410.18. This collaboration was formally approved by the City Council under Contract K-2526-14 in July. These figures reflect a compiled attempt to start to bridge the city's estimated 9,000-unit shortfall in affordable rental units.
The NAHC, operating as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, will handle leasing and property management for the residence about to be constructed. Rent prices will align with HUD Affordability Standards, ensuring they are accessible for the typical household intended to occupy these units. Tenants will be carefully chosen based on strict eligibility criteria to ensure they fall within the established affordability and income brackets, maintaining the home's dedicated purpose for those in need.
Lisa Krieg, Grants Manager of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, emphasized the city's commitment to incrementally addressing the housing gap. "With the support of the City of Norman and these strong partnerships, we've already created 55 debt-free, affordable homes, reinvesting proceeds into new projects like this one," she emphasized in an announcement obtained by the City of Norman. Krieg also highlighted an ongoing development, the 75-unit Crimson Flats, underscoring the city's initiative as an ensemble of diligent partnerships and community engagement.
The approach taken by Norman reflects a vision where the creation of each home is a foundational step toward wider community reinforcement. "This isn't just about turning dirt," Krieg stated, signaling a broader objective beyond mere construction. Each house built through such collaborative efforts represents a tangible stride towards closing the city's significant housing gap and fostering a more stable living environment for its residents, according to the same news.
