Henry County officials and community partners gathered today for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the first four homes in the Villa Heights Housing Project.
The event signifies a major milestone in the County’s ongoing effort to redevelop 13 formerly drug-blighted parcels into affordable, workforce single-family homes.
“This project represents steady, meaningful progress toward strengthening housing options in our community,” said Joe Bryant, Collinsville District Supervisor. “I grew up near Villa Heights, and I remember when this was a strong, stable neighborhood. Over the years, it changed, and many of the properties here fell into disrepair. While we still have work ahead of us, these new homes are an important step. We’ve already seen a few homeowners begin improving their own properties, and that is a positive sign for what this neighborhood can become.”
“The Villa Heights project demonstrates what’s possible when we invest in both affordability and long-term impact,” said DeWitt House, Vice President of Community Investments for the Harvest Foundation. “Through the Community Land Trust model, these homes will remain attainable for generations, giving families a real opportunity to build stability, equity, and a new trajectory for their lives. Homeownership has the power to strengthen entire communities, and we’re proud to partner with Henry County, the West Piedmont Planning District Commission, and the Virginia Statewide Community Land Trust to expand critical access to affordable, quality homes.”
Under the terms of the partnership, homes may be sold for as low as $150,000 to income-eligible buyers. The Harvest Foundation is providing funding to support construction of two homes at a time, with proceeds from each sale reinvested into building additional homes.
Construction began after the Board of Supervisors awarded a $608,940 contract in April 2025 to Taylor Enterprise of Bassett, Virginia, to construct the first three homes on lots 9, 10, and 11. A fourth home was added shortly thereafter as part of the project’s initial phase. Havenmore, the firm contracted to market and sell the homes, has prepared the houses for prospective buyers through staging and outreach.
“As we move forward with the Villa Heights project, we’re building on our commitment to ensure families have access to safe, affordable homes,” said Sean Campbell, Deputy Director of the West Piedmont Planning District Commission. “This project is a testament to what can be accomplished through strong local partnerships and a shared vision for revitalizing our neighborhoods. We’re proud to work with Henry County and our partners to bring lasting positive change to the community.”
County officials noted that expanding affordable workforce housing remains an important component of Henry County’s broader economic development goals. Reliable housing supply supports local employers, attracts talent, and encourages reinvestment in established neighborhoods.
With nine additional homes planned for construction as funding cycles allow, the County and its partners expect work in Villa Heights to continue in phases over the coming years.