Thank you for registering for the Ride for Hope and Housing. Last year more than 230 cyclists rode with us, enjoying the challenging 25, 50, and 100-kilometer rides through the beautiful surrounding countryside. With the support of community members like yourself, along with local businesses, we raised over $27,000 for its affordable housing efforts in the community!

Davidson Housing Coalition has been serving Davidson and the greater Lake Norman community since 1996 with the mission to preserve and create affordable housing options and to prepare families and individuals for financial stability and homeownership. In thirteen years of operation, DHC has grown to be recognized as a leader in the affordable housing field. Assisting with the implementation of the Town’s Affordable Housing Ordinance, requiring 12.5% affordable housing in all new residential developments, DHC’s Homebuyer Education and Financial Literacy program serves as the designated provider of qualification and education services to all potential homeowners of units constructed through the ordinance. In 2005, DHC launched the HAMMERS program in partnership with Davidson College to address a growing concern about the prevalence of substandard housing in the Lake Norman region. HAMMERS, Hands Around Mecklenburg/Mooresville Making Emergency Repairs Safely, provides emergency repairs on the homes of low-income homeowners in the Towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, and Mooresville. Through the affordable and necessary rehabilitation of homes, HAMMERS strives to foster personal well-being and neighborhood pride for all. Homeowners assisted through HAMMERS enjoy increased levels of safety, security, and health in their homes.

As the financial crisis worsens, the requests to DHC increase from a wide range of clients. Our Homebuyer Education and Financial Literacy program’s client base has tripled in the past year, as clients seek training on how to manage the money they have, how to purchase a home wisely, and how to improve their existing credit situation.

Our emergency repair program, HAMMERS, has also expanded in the past year. We are seeing more homeowners who have been unable to maintain their homes, and many of these people are reaching out for help for the first time in their lives. We anticipate even more increased requests for HAMMERS support in 2009, and contributions such as yours allow us to continue this valuable service to Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville and Mooresville.

Please consider personally raising funds for the Ride. While the decision to do so is optional, your fundraising participation will ensure the success of this event, support DHC in its mission, and demonstrate your investment in and commitment to the community in which we live.

It's easy to get started! Visit www.davidsonhousing.org/whatsnew.html to download a sample fundraising letter.