Metanoia Welcomes Two New

Homeowners into our Community

Renewal on Ubank

Written By James T. Sears For www.myparkcircle.com

Yolanda Marion moved into her new home—her first as a homeowner—a couple of weeks ago, but today she celebrated its dedication. Her two-story, 3 bedroom Ubank Street residence is one of four new homes built through community collaborative efforts.

“We all work together for the betterment of our community,” says Tony Joyner, Executive Director of Housing for Metanoia, which has spearheaded the Ubank Street renewal. “It’s all about collaboration with the citizens,” he says. His business card reads: “Metanoia: People pushing forward into a new relationship with God and one another to create strong communities.”

For Marion, that collaboration began when she entered a 13-week class that readied her for homeownership and qualified her for a $20,000 grant to cover the down payment and closing costs. She now pays just $627 month—principal, interest, taxes and insurance—far less than a comparable house, valued around $135k, for just renting.

Recalling her preparation, she says “it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be—just getting my credit right and stuff. Tony Joyner walked me through the whole process.”

While Joyner says he’s “just a cog in the wheel,” he not only counsels prospective first time homeowners like Marion but also works closely with builders and architects. Another person who provides home ownership counseling working closely with this project is Lenore McKenna.

Lenore McKenna & Rev. Bill Stanfield

David Hill, a resident in the Cameron Terrace neighborhood, was the architect for this project. As a partner in the Verdi Company, which also builds in Oak Terrace, it was his first opportunity to work with Metanoia, although his firm has partnered with other non-profits to develop affordable housing. “These folks are very professional—and very savvy,” he says of Metanoia, and “it has been a rewarding experience.”

Tony Joyner (l) and David Hill

Part of that experience was collaborating with Lowcountry Civic Justice Corps, whose workers—currently incarcerated—learn a trade as they improve a community. From start to end, Hill reports the project took just six months. The result was architecturally sound and environmentally friendly homes, using materials such as insulated panels.

Joyner with Insulated Panel

After Yolanda Marion graduated from her class, she went about the process of looking for a home in several neighborhoods. She settled in Chicora/Cherokee and into the pretty red house on Ubank Street. Other homes in this collaborative project are for sale—available at a discount to eligible buyers earning 80% or less of the median income of Charleston County. “If you want a home,” smiles Marion, “just go see Tony Joyner.”

Rev. Dr. Clinton Brantley & Yolanda Marion

The director of Metanoia, Rev. Bill Stanfield greeted others who helped collaborate on this revitalization effort. Among those were the Lowcountry Housing Trust, Atlantic Bank & Trust, the City of North Charleston, the WC English Foundation, Nehemiah CRC, and Charleston Area CDC. Some of these group’s representatives were present to join Marion in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Representatives of Some of the Collaborating Groups

Following a blessing of homes by Rev. Dr. Clinton Brantley, Councilman Sam Hart, who represented Mayor Summey, spoke. In his remarks, Hart observed that “cutting the ribbon is only symbolic. We have many miles to go before we rest. But, this is a milestone.”

Councilman Sam Hart Addressing Crowd

This is the first new homebuilding project for Metanoia. The organization has already renovated several homes, including one just up the street at the intersection of Ubank and Florida. “This is just the beginning,” says Joyner.

In an interview with MPC, Councilman Hart commended Metanoia’s “willingness to invest in the neighborhood.” Working with struggling families, Metanoia and its partners “is creating a quality of life for them. When you have home ownership you have stakeholders who are invested in the community. Metanoia has brought this reality to the people.”

Hart says there are no plans for the City to replicate the four-home project but “working in concert we can create a livable community for the citizens.” There are, according to Hart, several separate projects the City has applied for in the multi-billion dollar stimulus package signed today by President Obama. These include roads, community centers, and water drainage.

But, ultimately, it is citizens like Yolanda Marion, who bring life and meaning to these materials and projects—and it is through the community efforts of citizens such Tony Joyner, Clinton Brantley, Sam Hart, Lenore McKenna, and David Hill that show the results of the phrase, “Yes we can!”

Read a Front Page Article in Charleston's Post and Courier About Metanoia's Innovative Approach to Financing these Homes in Partnership with Atlantic Bank and Trust

			Breaking News!