The Nashville HUD Multi-Family Housing Development Section worked with Clarksville-based NIA Association, local builders, consultants, AmSouth Bank, city leaders, and housing partners for several years to plan and develop a Section 811 supportive housing project for persons with disabilities in Clarksville, Tennessee. All of the planning, networking and countless hours of work by the many partners paid off on March 10, 2006 when a newly constructed three-bedroom home for persons with disabilities was dedicated.

Multi Family Asset Management Director Julia Moss thanks the partners for a job "well done".

Walnut Grove Supportive Housing - Agape House will provide a residence for the developmentally disabled 24 hours - - 7 days a week. The construction is now complete, and the home is ready for occupancy. The units are ADA compliant and the house is designed for integration into the existing neighborhood.

The owners were awarded a capital advance grant for $255,300 to fund the construction of the project. The HUD program that funded the house is just one of many affordable housing programs within the Department, whether it be in the Multi-Family Housing, Community Planning and Development, or other programs.

Clarksville's Nia Association (www.niaassociation.org/inside.htm) is a faith-based non-profit organization that provides a full range of support for low, and very low income developmentally disabled, chronically-mentally ill, and physically disabled. They are the "shakers and movers" for Agape House. Mrs. Carol Stevens, Founder and CEO, and Staff constantly work with the City of Clarksville, faith-based and community organizations, and business partners to promote programs for the developmentally disabled. In 2003 they began the drive for a home for the developmentally disabled and applied for the HUD Section 811 grant. This would be the first project of its kind in Clarksville, if they were successful.

Rev. Alonzo Ford (left), President of Walnut Grove SHP, Inc, the nonprofit that worked with partners, receives the keys from the Contractor, Mr. Norman Floyd of Lloyd Millennium Construction.

What did it take to make it a reality? It took cooperation with all the players - not just one or two. For example, AmSouth Bank helped finance the construction. Lloyd Millennium Construction was the developer. Norman Floyd, president of Lloyd Millennium built the home almost single handedly, while obtaining assistance and plans from Nashville Multi-Family Development's Beverly Bell and Mike Jones. The City (www.cityofclarksville.org/) was able to coordinate some of its staff and resources from the CDBG fund, and Taiafaro's (www.taliafaro.com/aboutus.htm) Property Management Consultant and President, Dr. Annie Carter, worked with all the parties and to ensure all the requirements were met. "This is a example of cooperation with housing partners in Clarksville," said HUD Operations Specialist, Marsha Webb. "Without the quality of leadership and dedication of all of those individuals who contributed their time and effort, Agape House could not have become a reality."

Multi-Family Asset Management's Julia Moss spoke of the contribution Agape House will make to the community. "It's no longer a work in progress. It's finished. We now have a successful property in which our clientele can be served," said Ms. Moss.

This sign exhibits the quality of professionals that made a dream come true

Clarksville Mayor Don Trotter is an ally to affordable housing initiatives, and fully supported the partners for Agape House. He stressed the importance of the project and its significance to Clarksvillians. Clarksville is the fifth largest city in Tennessee, and has begun development of a 10-year plan to help alleviate chronic homelessness. One component of their plan is more affordable rental housing.

Who was helped? Were community partnerships strengthened? Did HUD federal funds benefit citizens? Is the program beneficial? These are the questions that matter. Partnerships do make the difference.