Habitat for Humanity of Durham Completes First-Ever Townhomes, Marking New Chapter in Affordable Homeownership

September 2, 2026

Milestone expands Durham Habitat’s housing model and demonstrates how thoughtful design and land use can create more pathways to homeownership

DURHAM, N.C. — Habitat for Humanity of Durham is celebrating a major milestone with the completion of its first-ever townhomes, introducing a new housing model to the organization’s four decades of work creating affordable homeownership opportunities for Durham families.

The completion represents more than the delivery of new homes. It marks Durham Habitat’s first venture into attached housing and demonstrates the organization’s continued effort to adapt its approach to the changing housing needs of Durham.

“This is an exciting milestone for Habitat Durham and for the families who will call these homes their own,” said Nimasheena Burns, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Durham. “Our team may be small, but it is mighty. Taking on our first townhome project required our staff, volunteers, partners and supporters to learn, adapt and work together in new ways. I could not be prouder of what they have accomplished.”

For nearly 40 years, Habitat for Humanity of Durham has worked alongside families, volunteers, donors and community partners to expand access to safe, stable and affordable homeownership. Traditionally, much of Durham Habitat’s new construction has consisted of detached ranch-style and two-story homes.

Those homes will remain an important part of the organization’s work. However, Durham’s growing population, increasing land and construction costs, and continued need for affordable homeownership require organizations like Habitat to explore a broader range of housing options.

“Affordable homeownership cannot have a one-size-fits-all approach,” Burns said. “We will continue building the traditional homes that have served Durham families well for decades, but we also have to be willing to think differently. Where zoning, infrastructure and the character of the property allow it, townhomes and other thoughtfully designed housing can help us use land more efficiently while creating additional opportunities for families to become homeowners.”

The townhomes also represent an important step as Durham Habitat prepares for future developments that may include a mix of detached homes, attached homes and other residential designs.

For Durham Habitat, the goal remains the same regardless of the type of home being constructed: helping qualified families build stability, equity and generational wealth through affordable homeownership.

“These townhomes represent possibility,” Burns added. “They show what can happen when we are willing to innovate while remaining grounded in our mission. Every piece of land is different, every neighborhood is different, and every family is different. Our responsibility is to keep finding responsible ways to create pathways home.”

The milestone comes as Habitat for Humanity of Durham continues expanding its work throughout the community, including new home construction, critical home repairs for existing low-income homeowners, homeowner education, community partnerships and advocacy for policies that support affordable homeownership.

Durham Habitat encourages individuals, businesses, builders, developers, faith communities and other community partners to join the organization as it prepares for its next chapter of building.

Join us. Support the mission. Help us keep building.

About Habitat for Humanity of Durham

Habitat for Humanity of Durham works to build homes, communities and hope by creating affordable homeownership opportunities and helping existing homeowners remain safely in their homes. Through new construction, critical home repairs, volunteer engagement, homeowner education and community partnerships, Durham Habitat works to strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunities for Durham residents to achieve long-term housing stability.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Durham, its homeownership programs, volunteer opportunities or ways to support the organization, visit Durham Habitat’s website.