Broad Street Manor a Beacon of Hope for McDowell County
Duplexes mark first new housing in nearly a decade
The issues facing McDowell County in West Virginia’s southern coalfields are well documented. County residents deal with flooding, poor infrastructure, a shrinking economy, and limited access to essential services like healthcare and social support programs.
Safe and affordable housing is just one item on a long list of needs the county struggles to fulfill. But Broad Street Manor in the heart of Welch’s residential district offers hope for the future.
“The existing houses here are substandard. Some residents live in areas that have been flooded out more than once, but they have no place to go,” explained Kathy Gentry, Executive Director of Safe Housing and Economic Development (SHED), a Community Housing Development Organization serving McDowell, Mercer, and Wyoming counties.
Broad Street Manor is the first affordable housing development in McDowell County since 2016 and is a case study in perseverance. The problems with building new units in the state’s southernmost county are three-fold.
First: While other rental units exist in the county, the demand is greater than the supply.
“There’s just not enough housing in the county for the people who need rentals,” Gentry said. “With the income level and the poverty in the area, housing is a great need here. Since we’re one of the lowest income counties in the state of West Virginia, housing is a priority.”
Second: “There is no land,” Gentry said. “Land is either in a flood zone or on a mountain” making it unsuitable for building new housing.
And third: Getting good, quality contractors on-site to do the work. “Our contractors on this project drive 53 miles a day one-way, hauling equipment,” Gentry said. “That’s been a problem in McDowell County because we don’t have contractors.” Additionally, the project has been delayed at least three times because of weather and issues getting materials.
Broad Street Manor consists of two buildings containing a total of four 800 square-foot, two-bedroom units. The development will serve seniors and those with disabilities, so all units are ADA-accessible. Each unit also features Energy Star-certified HVAC, kitchen appliances, fire suppression systems, windows and exterior doors, LED light fixtures, and laundry. The property is also wired for high-speed internet.
“Broad Street Manor is a beacon of hope in an area that sometimes feels forgotten,” said Cathy Colby, Senior Manager of the HOME & National Housing Trust Fund Programs for the West Virginia Housing Development Fund. “The Fund believes that safe, decent, affordable housing is something all West Virginians should enjoy. We’re delighted to continue supporting SHED and its work in the Southern coalfields.”
Despite the obstacles and challenges, Broad Street Manor is nearly complete and ready to welcome new tenants.
“We’ve jumped through a few hoops, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Gentry said. “It looks like two beautiful duplexes.”
Fund's Mortgage Programs Help Morgantown Woman After Divorce
Natalie Wilson rented for few years after her divorce, but she still wanted to have a place of her own. Using the West Virginia Housing Development Fund's Homeownership Program and Low Down Home Loan, she was able to purchase a low-maintenance townhome for her and her kids.
Learn More