Memphis, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis launched its largest housing development in years, starting a project that will create 52 affordable homes in Uptown Memphis. The new development aims to provide quality housing with modern amenities at a low monthly mortgage rate. Homebuyers must meet specific requirements, including financial contributions and participation in a sweat equity program. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to improve safety and community pride while addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in Memphis.
Memphis โ Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis has officially broken ground on a new housing development project in the Uptown neighborhood. This marks the organizationโs largest initiative in several years, aimed at addressing the increasing demand for affordable housing in Memphis.
The new development will consist of 52 semi-attached single-family homes located along Chelsea Avenue and Third Street, spanning over three vacant acres. Construction is projected to take approximately 24 months, with homes designed to include three to four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Additionally, each home will feature modern amenities such as granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances.
As part of Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to affordability, anticipated monthly mortgage payments for homeowners will be around $900. Notably, homebuyers will not incur interest on their mortgages. To qualify for a home, prospective buyers must fulfill income and need requirements, complete a 13-week education program, and contribute at least $2,000 towards closing costs.
The initiative also requires homebuyers to participate in the construction of their homes through a sweat equity program, supporting Habitat for Humanity’s mission of community involvement and empowerment. In addition, if families choose to relocate, they are prohibited from selling their homes to investors; instead, Habitat for Humanity will buy the homes back and resell them to maintain long-term affordability in the neighborhood.
In conjunction with the ground-breaking, six first-time homebuyers were celebrated due to their successful completion of the homebuying process. This event was marked by the demolition of a blighted property, signaling a commitment to revitalizing the community and enhancing local pride by removing deteriorated structures.
Dwayne Spencer, the president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis, highlighted that the organization aims to meet the crucial need for affordable housing while simultaneously working to improve safety and local pride within the community.
Interested individuals for homeownership opportunities can access information through Habitat for Humanity’s website or contact the organization via email for more details.
Project Overview
- Location: Chelsea Avenue and Third Street, Uptown Memphis
- Number of Homes: 52 semi-attached single-family homes
- Timeline: Expected completion within 24 months
- Home Features: 3-4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances
- Monthly Mortgage Payments: Approximately $900
- Mortgage Terms: No interest charged, sweat equity required
Homebuyer Requirements
- Must meet specific income and need requirements
- Complete a 13-week education program
- Contribute at least $2,000 towards closing costs
Community Impact
The groundbreaking of this new home development not only aims to provide affordable housing but also seeks to foster a sense of community pride and safety by eliminating blighted properties. This initiative reflects the organization’s broader goal of community renewal in Memphis.
Contact Information
For further inquiries regarding the homebuyer program, individuals can visit the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis website or reach out via email for further assistance.
FAQ
- What is the location of the new housing development?
- The project is located on Chelsea Avenue and Third Street in Uptown Memphis.
- How many homes will be built in this development?
- A total of 52 semi-attached single-family homes will be constructed.
- What is the expected timeline for completion?
- The development is expected to be completed within 24 months.
- What features will the homes have?
- Each home will feature at least three to four bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with amenities such as granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances.
- What will be the monthly mortgage payments?
- The projected monthly mortgage payments for each home are around $900.
- Will homebuyers be charged interest on their mortgages?
- Homebuyers will not be charged interest on their mortgages.
- What are the requirements for homebuyers?
- Homebuyers must meet specific income and need requirements, complete a 13-week education program, and contribute at least $2,000 towards closing costs.
- What is the sweat equity requirement?
- Homebuyers must contribute sweat equity by volunteering in the construction of their homes.
- What happens if families decide to move?
- If families choose to move, they cannot sell their homes to investors. Habitat for Humanity will buy the home back to resell it.
Key Features of Housing Development
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Chelsea Avenue and Third Street, Uptown Memphis |
| Number of Homes | 52 semi-attached single-family homes |
| Expected Completion | 24 months |
| Home Specifications | 3-4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances |
| Monthly Mortgage Payment | Approximately $900 |
| Mortgage Terms | No interest charged |
| Sweat Equity Requirement | Homebuyers must volunteer in construction |
| Homebuyer Contribution | At least $2,000 towards closing costs |
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis: Habitat for Humanity Breaks Ground on Major Development
- Daily Memphian: Habitat for Humanity North Housing Development
- Local Memphis: Habitat for Humanity Celebrates First-Time Homeowners
- Action News 5: Habitat for Humanity Opens Memorial for Jimmy Carter
- WREG: Habitat for Humanity and MPD Building Homes
- Wikipedia: Habitat for Humanity
- Google Search: Affordable Housing Memphis
- Google Scholar: Habitat for Humanity Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Habitat for Humanity
- Google News: Habitat for Humanity Memphis
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