Habitat for Humanity of Putnam (HFHP) recently received a $48,600 grant from Robins Financial Credit Union to support critical infrastructure improvements for Carter Crossing, the organization’s planned affordable workforce housing development.
The grant will fund septic systems, water infrastructure and site preparation for the first six homes in the Carter Crossing subdivision, helping Habitat move toward breaking ground on the project by December.
“We express deep gratitude for the grant from Robins Financial Credit Union, which addresses critical infrastructure needs for the Carter Crossing development,” HFHP Executive Director Murali Thirumal said.
“This funding enables the construction of septic systems, water delivery infrastructure, and site preparation. Through this partnership, the ministry advances its mission to establish safe, affordable workforce housing for local families.”
The grant was awarded through Robins Financial Credit Union’s Community Project initiative. This annual grant program supports nonprofit organizations undertaking projects with lasting community impact throughout the credit union’s 45-county service area.
Since the program began in 2015, Robins Financial has awarded more than $2.3 million to 138 nonprofit organizations. This year, 12 organizations received a combined $260,000 through the program, with HFHP the only recipient in Putnam County.
The Robins Financial grant represents the latest investment in bringing Carter Crossing to life.
HFHP previously received a $1.05 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to construct the homes. However, HUD funding is limited to home construction. It cannot be used for land clearing, site preparation, or infrastructure improvements, making additional community partnerships essential to moving the project forward.
Carter Crossing has already benefited from strong community partnerships. Cuscowilla and its members paid off the loan used to acquire the approximately 30-acre property off Avant Road in the Twin Bridges area of Putnam County.
Unlike Habitat’s traditional approach of building a few homes annually after purchasing individual lots, Carter Crossing represents a long-term investment in a single neighborhood.
The development eventually will include up to 29 new homes, making it the largest project in HFHP’s history.
“We can always build another home, but opportunities to acquire approximately 30 acres for affordable housing do not come along often,” Thirumal said. “Owning this property allows Habitat to create an entire neighborhood and expand affordable homeownership opportunities for generations of families in Putnam County.”
Named in honor of President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, whose lifelong commitment to Habitat for Humanity inspired generations of volunteers and homeowners, Carter Crossing reflects the organization’s vision of expanding affordable homeownership opportunities for families and individuals.
With land acquisition, funding for home construction, and infrastructure support now in place, Habitat for Humanity of Putnam expects Carter Crossing to break ground this fall.