Where We Build
Learn more about our current and upcoming new home construction sites.
Auman Village
Introduction
At Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, we know that stable housing in a thriving community creates promise and possibility for families. In the heart of Hillsborough, where vibrant growth meets urgent housing needs, Habitat for Humanity is proud to announce a new development: Auman Village. Habitat purchased the 10.9-acre property off of Highway 70-A in December of 2020. Now – with your help – Habitat is ready to begin site development. This development will deliver 75 much-needed affordable homes in a wonderful location near the Orange County Sportsplex. Auman Village is a vision for a mixed-income neighborhood that fosters community, opportunity, and stability.
Our Vision
Auman Village will consist of 75 new homes, with 60 dedicated to first-time homebuyers earning 30-80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). These affordable Habitat homes will offer a range of 2, 3, and 4 bedroom townhomes, ensuring decent, aesthetically pleasing, and energy-efficient housing options that meet community needs.
Research shows that growing up in a mixed-income neighborhood makes a profound difference in the lives of children from lower income families. A landmark study of long-term adult outcomes by Harvard economist Raj Chetty demonstrates the enormous positive impact in upward economic mobility. In recognition of these benefits, 20% of the units (15 homes) will be designated as “workforce housing” forhouseholds with incomes higher than a traditional Habitat homeowner. These homes will be sold to those earning 80-120% of the AMI or an income of roughly $85k – $125k per year for a family of four.
The Housing Need
Buying a home at the lower end of the market is difficult in Hillsborough and becoming harder. Too many people who work jobs that are important to the fabric of our community – at area schools, hospitals and health care, local government, small businesses, daycares – cannot find decent local housing. Workers commute long distances from other counties, or struggle to raise their families in unaffordable, unsafe, substandard homes that are detrimental to family stability and strong educational outcomes for children.
In Orange County, NC, 30% of households are cost-burdened, or spending more than 30% of their income on housing related expenses. The hourly wage needed to afford a Fair Market Rent apartment in this county is $31.37 an hour, more than 4 times the minimum wage. The Town of Hillsborough and Orange County local governments have highlighted affordable housing as a priority focus in the current strategic plan, and are eager partners of Habitat for Humanity to meet this need.
Community Design and Amenities
Auman Village is designed with intention and inclusivity. The neighborhood will feature:
- ADA-compliant units: Six units will be fully ADA accessible, featuring one-story ground floor locations, zero-step entry and wheelchair accessibility throughout. In addition, 40 of the units will have a ground floor bedroom with universal design features for aging in place.
- Playground and Family Units: Creating a safe, engaging environment for young families.
- Community Amenities: A pavilion, play field, dog park, and communal spaces to foster interaction and build a strong, connected community.
- Access to Essentials: Proximity to employment centers, great schools, and high-quality healthcare.
The Auman Family
This property was originally purchased in 1939 by Glenn and Henrietta Auman who built their home and lived there until Henrietta’s passing in 2003. The couple had a deep commitment to Hillsborough, having spent their entire careers as high school teachers in Orange County. Donald Glenn Auman was born in 1911 and grew up in Moore County, the fourth of ten children from a close, hard-working, sports-loving farming family who valued education. Henrietta Victor Castlebury, born in 1915, was the adored middle child of a Raleigh dentist and his English-born wife.
Glenn got a job teaching math (as well as P.E., Driver’s Ed, and coaching football, basketball & baseball) at Hillsborough High School and Henrietta began teaching Home Economics in 1937. They were married in 1939 and had two daughters: Vicky and Catherine. They both taught at Orange High, where Glenn developed the Industrial Cooperative Training (ICT) program and Henrietta started the professional Food Services program there. They retired from Orange County Schools in 1975 and devoted their time to their community including Hillsborough Presbyterian Church, the Exchange Club, Red Cross, and the Historical Society and the Hillsborough Garden Club.
Glenn passed away in his workshop in August 1985 and Henrietta remained in the home until 2003 when she passed away at age 87. Glenn and Henrietta represent the heart of the Hillsborough community – dedicated to uplifting future generations, committed to improving the community, and being deeply connected to the people of Hillsborough.
Contact Us!
We invite you to join us in making Auman Village a reality. Your support will help us provide affordable, quality housing to those who need it most, creating a lasting impact on the lives of many families. Together, we can build a community where everyone can thrive. Donate today and be part of building a brighter tomorrow. For more information or to donate, please contact Shanell Smaw, Vice President of Development.
