Grant Writing for Affordable Housing

Hello, I am seeking professional grant writing and funding strategy support for a proposed affordable housing development in Forsyth County/ Winston Salem, North Carolina. 1. The Problem North Carolina is experiencing a growing shortage of safe, stable, and affordable housing for working adults and households facing increasing barriers to accessing quality housing opportunities. Many residents who are fully capable of independent living are being priced out of the housing market or lack access to housing options that provide long-term affordability, stability, and community connection. 2. The Solution The proposed development is an affordable residential community designed to increase access to safe, stable, and attainable housing opportunities for a diverse mix of residents in Forsyth County. The development concept includes approximately 22 acres planned for a thoughtfully designed manufactured home community supporting independent living and long-term housing stability. The vision is to create a mixed residential environment that promotes affordability, accessibility, and community-oriented living. The community is intended to serve a range of residents, including working individuals and households seeking stable, affordable housing options within the local community. 3. Why This Project / Why Now This initiative is being developed through Collective Mind Home Solutions, whose mission is centered on creating affordable and sustainable housing opportunities for economically vulnerable populations. As housing costs continue to rise across North Carolina, there is an increasing need for alternative housing models that provide dignity, independence, and long-term affordability while strengthening the local housing supply. The project is currently in the early planning and zoning feasibility stage, including preliminary land-use discussions with local planning staff. Initial feedback has identified a potential pathway for rezoning and conceptual site plan review, allowing the project to continue progressing through the feasibility and pre-development process. 4. Use of Funds At this stage, I am seeking guidance on how to structure funding requests and grant applications around two potential development pathways: Full Development Scenario • Complete build-out of the residential community (approx. 24 units) • Site infrastructure including roads, utilities, water/sewer access, and land development • Total project cost estimation for full implementation Phased Development Scenario • Initial phase development of a smaller number of units • Infrastructure development to support early occupancy • Scalable expansion model based on future funding availability Grant funds would primarily support: • Site preparation and infrastructure development • Initial phase housing construction • Pre-development planning, engineering, and feasibility work • Conceptual site planning and development review preparation 5. Measurable Impact This project is intended to create measurable community impact, including: • Increased availability of safe and affordable independent living housing • Expanded access to attainable housing opportunities within Forsyth County • Reduction in housing instability within Forsyth County • Long-term growth of affordable housing inventory in the community • Creation of a stable, community-oriented residential environment 6. Request I am requesting assistance with: • Development of a grant-ready financial framework (full build-out versus phased development) • Identification of aligned funding sources, grant opportunities, and private foundation support • Structuring the project to maximize competitiveness for affordable housing and community development funding opportunities Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to working together to refine the funding strategy for this project and help bring this housing initiative to fruition. Sincerely, Keisha Barrett Collective Mind Home Solutions