Not unlike the experience of moving into a new home, Lexington Housing Community Development Corporation celebrated a new beginning of its own on Wednesday.
The organization celebrated its 25th year anniversary by changing its name to more accurately represent what it does and who it serves. Lexington Housing CDC will now be called Home Solutions of Davidson County.
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Toby Prince, executive director of Home Solutions of Davidson County, said for many years, because of its name, people assumed the organization only served Lexington but in actuality, it serves all of Davidson County and even has an office in Thomasville.
He said the new name will reflect how its programs include all of the community and what better time for a change than its silver anniversary. He said he appreciates all the help and backing the organization has had over the years.
“This is not my agency, it takes many people. I have a great staff and board, and many (supporters) in the community. This new logo is just a representative of what we do and I am grateful to everyone who has supported us over the years,” said Prince.
The new logo was created by Paxton Taylor of Pax Studio, a boutique graphic design studio located in Thomasville.
Lexington Mayor Newell Clark said he thinks the new name is truly representative of the organization and the work it does in the community.
“A lot of time people think the focus is on homeownership, but it’s beyond that. The urgent repair program, financial literacy, and other programs are an asset to our community. I am excited to see the new logo and brand…It is not just housing, it’s helping folks in need; giving them a positive view and giving them hope.”
Home Solutions of Davidson County is a non-profit that offers a variety of help to current and potential homeowners. The organization is a result of a 1995 study on available housing, which showed a low rate of homeownership in the area.
Since its incorporation, LHCDC has made a positive impact on affordable housing. In the past 25 years, the organization has repaired 1,375 homes of the elderly and handicapped and has built 54 houses for new homeowners.
In August 2000, Lexington Housing CDC helped its first client become a homeowner. Grovina Anderson reached out to the organization and through its programs, began to save money; paying off debts, and was finally able to purchase a home of her own.
Afterward, Anderson became a member of the Lexington Housing CDC advisory board and worked with others in the program.
Through its annual group camps, which included over 3,423 teen volunteers, the organization has repaired 236,000 homes. The total cost of these repairs, which were free of charge to the homeowner, was $1.8 million over the past 25 years.
The organization has received $219,000 in United Way grants for its programming and has received 17 grants for a total of $1.4 million for its urgent repair programs.
Each year, the organization councils over 500 people annually through its financial literacy; foreclosure prevention, and homebuyer education programs.
Joe Wallace, president of the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce, said Lexington Housing CDC has had a positive influence on the community over 25 years and although it has changed since its original conception, it is still making a positive impact.
“This is a momentous occasion,” Wallace said. “Lou Adkins, the original director worked tirelessly and never took no for an answer. That foundation was laid and here we are 25 years later. This organization has grown exponentially over the years; it changed its focus and vision while maintaining its core values. What they have accomplished is truly amazing.”
General news reporter Sharon Myers can be reached at sharon.myers@the-dispatch.com. Follow her on Twitter @LexDispatchSM.
