Lapri Holmes has always dreamed of sitting on the front porch of her brand-new, paid for home and watching her children go off to school.
Thanks to a connection between Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region, Airport Community Partnerships and the CLT Charity Golf Tournament, Holmes’ dream of homeownership is coming true.
In 2023, she will become the first person in her family to own a home. “This home will be passed down to my daughter and hopefully to her children as well.“
Holmes will be among the many Charlotteans to move into new homes at the Meadows at Plato Price, a nine-acre property on Morris Field Drive between Wilkinson Boulevard and Billy Graham Parkway, less than a mile from Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
From 1915 to 1966 that land was home to Plato Price School, a Mecklenburg County institute for African Americans students grades 1-12.
The land had remained vacant until 2018 when the City of Charlotte donated it to Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. Then in 2021, Habitat announced it would use the property to revitalize the historically black neighborhood to help address the affordable housing crisis.
“We want to do everything we can to preserve the historic value that community has,” said Brooke Moose, the director of development and partnerships and community engagement for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region.
Habitat will build 39 homes at the Meadows at Plato Price over the next three years. Construction begins soon.
Airport Community Partnerships, supported by Charlotte Douglas International Airport, was eager to be a part of the neighborhood revitalization, designating the Meadows at Plato Price as the beneficiary of the third annual CLT Charity Golf Tournament.
A bright, sunny sky shone over Ballantyne Country Club on May 2 as dozens of golfers enjoyed a beautiful day on the links, playing not only for relaxation and camaraderie but for a chance to give fellow residents the opportunity to realize their dream of homeownership.
The tournament raised over $100,000, which will help people like Holmes become homeowners.
There will be some personal connections from the golf tournament to Plato Price: Moose expect some of the tournament golfers will volunteer to help build houses in the neighborhood, perhaps even the house for Holmes.
“It makes me feel warm and fuzzy,” Holmes said, “knowing I am going to make sure I am providing safe and affordable housing for my family.”