Virginia Housing Grants Fund Habitat for Humanity Home in Roanoke for Family of Six

On Saturday, August 26, the Steelman family were handed the keys to their first home during the Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley dedication ceremony. Whitney Steelman, homeowner and mother of five, had waited for this day for almost two years. The beautiful blue two-story, five-bedroom home in the Belmont-Fallon community located in Southeast Roanoke was funded by “The Virginia House” grant and brought to life by Habitat for Humanity of the Roanoke Valley and the many volunteers who helped construct the home.

Whitney took Virginia Housing’s free Homebuyer Education Courses to qualify for her Habitat home. She and her oldest daughter, Shermara Mack, also dedicated over 365 hours of ‘sweat equity’ into the construction of the home.

To commemorate Virginia Housing’s 50th anniversary this past year, the Authority collaborated with Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the Commonwealth to advance their work to eliminate substandard housing. The Authority provided $1.2 million in competitive grant funds to revitalize communities in five of Virginia’s localities. A total of $325,000 of these funds, known as “The Virginia House” grant, was awarded to Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley to build the Steelman home. This home is one of two to finish this year.

“This home means ‘family’ to me,” said Whitney Steelman. “Seeing my daughter help build the home we’re going to be living in is something I can’t put into words.”

During the dedication ceremony, the Steelman family was surrounded by community members who volunteered in the construction of the home, city officials, family and friends. After the ceremonial ribbon cutting on the front porch, Whitney invited guests to come inside and tour her new home.

Welcome home, Whitney and family!