Freedom First Awards for Affordable Housing Efforts
Freedom First has awarded $40,000 to three organizations advancing affordable housing efforts in the region. Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County, Lynchburg Covenant Fellowship, and Hacksburg were selected from over 20 applicants during the Spring 2026 Freedom First Gives application cycle for their commitment to improving housing accessibility.
Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County received $15,000 to sustain affordable housing for low-to-moderate-income families through home repairs. “Thanks to the support received from the Freedom First Gives program, Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County will be able to complete at least three Critical Home Repair projects for local families in need,” shared Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County’s Program Manager, Will Dubuisson. Repairs will address health and safety needs, including roofing, plumbing, and structural issues, helping families safely age in place.
Lynchburg Covenant Fellowship, which provides safe, well-maintained, and stable housing for low-income and underserved residents in Lynchburg, received $15,000 for its Housing with a Heart program. The program offers rent 45% to 50% below market rates, with utilities often included. “All our properties were built in the late 1800s through 1970s, so maintenance can be challenging and costly,” said Connie Snavely, Executive Director of Lynchburg Covenant Fellowship. “This grant is instrumental in helping us maintain the properties while keeping rent affordable for low-income individuals.”
Hacksburg, a community makerspace that provides residents with crucial skills for home maintenance and repair, received $10,000 to expand programming and help address repairs before they become costly housing issues. Joshua Eggleston, Board Treasurer and Secretary for Hacksburg, shared, “This support will allow us to put professional-grade tools in the hands of New River Valley residents, helping them take on projects like home repairs that they may not have been able to tackle before.” Funding will support new woodshop equipment and provide a $2,000 membership scholarship for low-income individuals, ensuring equitable access to home repair and education resources.
“Freedom First is proud to support these organizations that are making a difference every day in our communities,” said Linda Johnson, President and CEO of Freedom First. “By creating opportunities for people to access safe, stable housing, we’re helping build a stronger community for years to come.”
Applications for the Fall 2026 Freedom First Gives cycle open October 1, 2026, at FreedomFirst.com/Community/Freedom-First-Gives.
