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By Bob Weaver
Calhoun women create DreamHome, Kristen Cottrell (L) and Shannon Heiney
(R)
Three Calhoun women are making their dreams come true by helping regional
families obtain affordable housing. Shannon Heiney, the Development Director of
DreamHome Community Development Corporation, graduated from Calhoun High
School in 1993, and her sister, Kristin Cottrell, the Office Manager of the company,
graduated in 1989.
This past week saw the launching of a new, low-cost housing project on Pleasant Hill,
called Pleasant Lane Estates, which will eventually have nine new housing units.
"These homes are pre-built by a Beckley company, Excel Homes," said Heiney. "We
are really excited about the potential to help local people with affordable
housing."
Crane lifts housing units on foundation
Workers complete first of nine units last Friday
Contractors and workers were busy assembling the first two homes Friday. Heiney
said the mission of DreamHome is to improve the quality of life for low to moderate
income families in central West Virginia.
"We will seek funding sources for economic and community development, and really
pursue those sources," she said. The group also has some money for existing
housing. "We can also help people with housing who own their own property."
DreamHome also spends their money locally for building supplies, appliances and
fixtures.
"We really wanted to do something to help Calhoun and our regional counties with
housing, with most of the area suffering from high unemployment and being under
served," Heiney said. The daughters of Larry and Shelia Heiney of Grantsville took
their vision and energy and hooked-up with Tammie Wilson, a 1988 graduate of
Calhoun High and daughter of Roger and Dianne Wilson of Nobe. Tammie is the CEO of
the non-profit corporation.
"I helped my dad in his construction business when I was a kid, and I learned a lot
about needs and problems," said Shannon. The group went to the West Virginia
Housing Development Fund and obtained a grant of $200,000 for start-up, and
another Benedum grant for $25,000 for two years to keep the project going.
The trio of women, who commute back and forth from their homes in Charleston, are
excited about the non-profit program. "We will work with people to see what we can
do to help," said Heiney. "We left Calhoun not wanting to, like many before and since,
but we still love it here."
Residents from Calhoun, Wirt, Roane, Gilmer, Ritchie, Braxton, Clay, Kanawha,
Putnam, Jackson and Wood can apply.
Income limits for the home program start with a family of one at $18,150, a family of
two at $20,750 and a family of three at $23,350. There can be loans with 0% interest.
For complete details, call 304-354-9588.
Pleasant Lane Estates along Route 16, north of Grantsville
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