Residents say new affordable housing in Princess Anne is a dream come true
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – The furniture is in place, the kitchens are filled with food, and residents are comfortably moved into new affordable housing. Something that housing experts in the area say is badly needed. But residents say having this place to call home means more than just a roof over their heads. It also means building a stronger sense of community. “It’s exciting to pay the rent, to be honest with you. You know you can afford it and you know that every day you wake up it’s going to be your home,” said Pearl Addison.
The Reserve at Somerset Commons is a $14 million dollar affordable housing complex that offers more than just apartments. Amenities brand new stainless steel appliances, a 24 hour fitness center, and a computer lab. Employees at the complex say they’re also trying to foster a sense of community. “We offer events such as health awareness, social events, holiday events is one of our big things. We also have school activities as far as the actual children here, a lot of youth services and things of that sort, and the Maryland Food Bank comes,” said Lakeshia Pender Jackson.
The developers of the property say all those elements come together to show what affordable housing actually looks like. EVP and Chief Business Officer of Enterprise Community Development Christine Madigan says she believes there is a misconception about the quality of affordable housing. She says that’s why it was important to include all those amenities, and make sure the actual construction was up to par. “We are very attentive when we build affordable housing to make sure that the construction is high quality, that the architecture blends in with the surrounding communities,” said Madigan.
Residents tell 47ABC that having this place to call home has been a dream come true. Addison and Senora Moore moved in just days apart from each other, and now call themselves best friends. Moore says not only has her new home offered a community and friendship, it’s given her hope in light of some of her most challenging life experiences. “It means a lot because I was homeless due to being a diabetic and lost my eyesight several times. With the grace of God I received them back – and to be able to have my own home again, I feel great,” said Moore.
Madigan says they’re planning on having a grand opening event sometime this spring. Enterprise Community Development says there are no spots left in the complex because the demand has been so high. In fact, they filled all 54 new units in just a month.
