Apex Clean Energy Pledges $1 Million to Support Affordable Housing in Charlottesville

Charlottesville, VA – September 22, 2022 – Apex Clean Energy today announced the commitment of $1 million to support affordable housing redevelopment in downtown Charlottesville through a donation to the Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund.

The mission of the Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund is to improve the lives of thousands of Charlottesville residents by providing funding and expertise to rebuild homes and neighborhoods. Established by Red Light Management, Dave Matthews Band, and several other volunteer partners, the Fund is working hand in hand with the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (CRHA), the residents of CRHA properties, and the Public Housing Association of Residents (PHAR) to create a resident-led process that will provide modern and safe homes paired with a holistic approach to include supportive services such as early childhood development centers, health clinics, and training and employment opportunities.

“This donation is made possible by the work of every employee at Apex and reflects our shared commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable communities, especially here at home,” said Mark Goodwin, Apex Clean Energy president and CEO. “Investing in the redevelopment of affordable housing is the most impactful way we can help create a stronger future for generations of Charlottesville residents who have often been marginalized and divested from our community.”

“Through this resident-led process, we are truly seeing the long-overdue revitalization of Charlottesville’s public housing,” said John Sales, CRHA executive director. “We are incredibly pleased to see Apex’s deep commitment to this transformative work. Funding like this generous support from Apex and other community donors has turned years of conversations into reality, and we are looking forward to delivering high-quality, affordable housing to Charlottesville residents in the months and years to come.”

“Apex has stepped up to help address one of the most significant issues facing the health and vitality of the Charlottesville community,” said Ann Kingston, director of the Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund. “Alongside the initial $5 million catalyzing gift from Dave Matthews Band and Red Light Management, and furthered by generous local philanthropists, we have raised nearly $22 million toward a goal of $30 million.”

Donations to the Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund will ultimately result in more than $200 million worth of new housing development in Charlottesville, leveraging federal tax credits and funding from state and local government agencies. All construction will take place on land owned by the CRHA. The first project to be completed in the multi-phase process is the comprehensive renovation of Crescent Halls on Monticello Avenue, which expects to welcome its first residents later this year and be at full occupancy in 2023. The construction of 62 new units on 1^st Street South is also nearly complete, with a second phase at that location expected to break ground in the new year.

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