Happy Hill neighborhood housing development to encourage homeownership
African American school built near Salem in 1867 on Happy Hill plantation site (photo to the left) | Photo by Courtesy of Old Salem Museums and Gardens via City of Winston-Salem, Happy Hill Neighborhood Association
Efforts are underway to transform the oldest Black neighborhood in Winston-Salem. Happy Hill, located on Alder Street in the East Ward will become home to 13 new single-family residential properties to encourage homeownership for low-and moderate-income citizens.
History
Throughout its early history, the neighborhood was known as both Happy Hill and Liberia. The African American community started a school in 1867 on the former plantation site before the neighborhood was formally established a few years later. Nearly a century later, homes were demolished, leaving many vacant lots. The neighborhood earned a historic marker from the Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission in 2009.
Vision for the future
The Housing Authority of Winston-Salem (HAWS) will donate 13 lots to Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County — an organization designed to assist families who do not qualify for traditional mortgages. The projected total development cost is approximately $2.6 million. About $2.16 million in grants from the American Rescue Plan Act will go towards building the homes. Each home will have three bedrooms, two baths, and garages.
Here is a profile of prospective residents:
Residents earning 40%-80% of the area median income
Families that have already gone through Habitat’s home-ownership program
To keep house affordable, the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency will provide down payment assistance for residents. The construction project is expected to be complete by December 2026.
Events
Thursday, Nov. 9
Collage Night | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 6-10 p.m. | Culture Studio and Gallery, Liberty Plaza, 102 W. 3rd St., 9th floor, Winston-Salem | Free | Creatives of all genres are invited to come together and make a collage — supplies and some refreshments are provided but attendees are welcome to bring their own.
Reynolda After Dark | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 7-9 p.m. | Reynolda House, 2250 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem | $12-$30 | Learn about Reynolda after the sun goes down and how some animals adapt or thrive in the dark.
Friday, Nov. 10
UNCSA Symphony Orchestra in Concert | Friday, Nov. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Stevens Center, 405 4th St. NW, Winston-Salem | $19-$24 | The final UNCSA performance at the Stevens Center before the theater closes for renovations.
Saturday, Nov. 11
Wake Forest Football vs. NC State| Saturday, Nov. 11 | 2 p.m. | Allegacy Stadium, 475 Deacon Blvd., Winston-Salem | $75-$125 | Take part in Senior Day in Deactown as Wake Forest honors its seniors ahead of the game against the Wolfpack — the longest continuous rivalry in the ACC.
Electric Cars and Coffee | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 8-11 a.m. | SECCA, 750 Marguerite Dr., Winston-Salem | Free | Join Piedmont Environmental Alliance for a community event open to anyone hoping to learn more about owning an electric vehicle, saving money, cooling the climate, and cleaner air.
Holiday Craft Show | Saturday, Nov. 11-Sunday, Nov. 12 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Cooks Flea Market, 4250 Patterson Ave.,Winston-Salem | Cost of purchase | Shop over 500 booths at North Carolina’s largest indoor flea market — from homemade items, crafts, holiday items, and more.
Forsyth County’s recycling convenience center (445 Lindsay St., Kernersville) is open after being closed for 10 months due to repairs. Operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for holidays.
Seasonal
Sawtooth Spotlight: Juried Exhibition + Holiday Market is back Nov. 13 through Dec. 9. The year-end celebration of fine art, crafts, and community features over 50 regional artists, hands-on activities, demonstrations, local food trucks, and more.
Job
Bookmarks is hiring a part-time event coordinator and full-time volunteer coordinator. Applicants are encouraged to send a cover letter and resumé to be considered. The position will remain open until it is filled.
Edu
The 2024-2025 Hispanic League Scholarship Application is open for eligible Forsyth County students pursuing a higher education. Scholarships range from $2,500-$5,000. The submission deadline is Jan. 10, 2024.
Biz
Cobblestone Farmers Market is accepting applications for new vendors. The last info session for prospective vendors interested in learning more about the application process will take place at the information booth (1007 Marshall St.) on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m.
Opening
GreeNest of Winston-Salem is moving to a new location. The nonprofit has relocated to 5233 Robinhood Village Dr. where the opening will take place Wednesday, Nov. 15. Proceeds from purchases will go toward helping those at risk of homelessness.
Canceled
Foothills Brewing has canceled its first look party for its Bourbon Barrel Aged Sexual Chocolate stout that was scheduled for Friday, Nov. 10. Event ticket holders will receive more information directly. The beer will be released to the public on Friday, Nov. 24.
Wellness
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Community
Native American Heritage Month
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month in Winston-Salem
Native American tribes include Cherokee, Sioux, Cheyenne, and others. | Photo by Ryan Dial-Stanley, Lumbee Tribe of NC via SECCA
Did you know North Carolina continues to be the state with the largest American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) population east of the Mississippi River? In honor of Native American Heritage Month in November, here’s how you can celebrate the rich ancestry and traditions through these free local events.
American Indian Heritage Celebration, Saturday, Nov. 11 | 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. | SECCA, 750 Marguerite Dr. | Celebrate the occasion with dancers, drumming, and other family-friendly activities.
Dreamcatchers: Native American Heritage, Tuesday, Nov. 28 | 5:30 p.m.- 7 p.m. | Central Library, second floor, 660 W. 5th St. | Learn about the history and culture behind the Ojibwe tribe creating dreamcatchers with Tina Smith from Lam Museum of Anthropology. Register via email.
My college friend is coming to visit me from out of town and I can’t wait to show her around my city. I might take her to the “Cultural expressions” exhibit at the Delta Center — I’ve been looking forward to exploring.
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