Durham Tech, U.S. Rep. Foushee Announce $620,000 in Federal Funds for Affordable Housing Initiative
DURHAM, NC – Durham Tech Community College, with the assistance of U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee, announced Wednesday, October 2, the allocation of $620,000 in federal funding for its affordable housing initiative. This funding marks a significant step in providing affordable housing for Durham Tech students and the broader community. That news follows significant funding approved by the Durham County Commissioners and Durham City Council in 2023.
Rep. Foushee emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We need more affordable housing in Durham, and I’m very proud of this unique partnership Durham Tech spearheaded that could be a model for other communities in our nation.”
The affordable housing project will bring 124 units to land owned by Durham Tech at 902 S. Briggs Ave. After a competitive selection process, the college partnered with Mosaic Development Group and Banc of America Community Development Corporation.
Durham Tech President J.B. Buxton highlighted the necessity of affordable housing, explaining that a 2019 survey indicated that over 50 percent of students had experienced housing insecurity in the previous year.
“We know that finding affordable housing is a critical issue not just for many of our students, but for the greater community,” Durham Tech President J.B. Buxton said. “Lack of affordable housing can be an obstacle for families struggling to make ends meet and for people who want to get an education to pursue careers where they can increase their earnings. Part of the College’s mission is to remove obstacles that impede people in our community from pursuing education, upward mobility, and careers.”
Construction on the housing units is expected to begin in the summer of 2025, with tenants moving in by early summer 2027. Leasing outreach will begin in the summer of 2026.
“This is an innovative partnership that meets a critical housing need,” said Mosaic Development Group Executive Director Bill Bolstad. “Working with the College has presented a unique opportunity to meet a housing need that has rarely been done elsewhere.”
The initiative aligns with Durham Tech’s mission to remove obstacles preventing community members from achieving upward mobility and educational success.
Feature photo courtesy of Durham Tech