DOBBINS HEIGHTS — Local officials, housing advocates and community members gathered this week to celebrate the groundbreaking of Smith Commons, a new affordable housing development aimed at serving individuals and families facing homelessness or housing instability in Richmond County.
The development, led by the Rockingham Housing Authority, is being funded through the Supportive Housing American Rescue Plan program administered by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. The 1.6-acre site will feature 10 newly constructed multifamily rental units designated for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
According to RHA officials, the project marks the first phase of a larger long-term plan for the nearly 16-acre property, which could eventually include up to 30 affordable housing units, community facilities and recreational spaces.
“This project has been three years in the making and due to hard work and the dedication of the Rockingham Housing Authority staff, we are celebrating this milestone today,” said Dorothy Little, RHA commissioner. “We thank you for joining us for this special occasion.”
RHA Executive Director Chereka Belton said the groundbreaking represented years of planning and collaboration among local leaders, developers and state partners.
“Today is more than just moving dirt in a symbolic shoveling—it makes transition, from vision to reality. For three years, we have worked imagined the possibilities of what this space could become. This project represents our commitment to affordable housing with innovation, community growth, and sustainability,” said Belton. “We aren’t building just 10 single-story units, we are building a foundation for local family, future jobs, and stronger local economy. A project is a skill, it’s never a result of a single person’s effort.”
Belton recognized the Town of Dobbins Heights, project partners and members of the RHA board for helping move the project forward.
The first street within the development will be named Blue Court in honor of Dobbins Heights Mayor Antonio Blue, who has played a key role in supporting the initiative.
“It is a rare thing for a physical space to truly reflect the spirit of an individual, but as we stand before the site of Smith Commons, which will graciously be located on Blue Court, it’s clear that no other name would be for this occasion,” said Belton.
Belton also recognized longtime RHA Board Vice Chairman Sandra Smith and Blue for their years of service to the community.
“To Ms. Smith and her 18 years of influence on the board, and Mayor [Antonio] Blue with his 18 years of leadership in the town of Dobbins Heights, you both demonstrate through your quietness, your strength, and absolute essentials needed for the foundations of which we stand here today,” Belton said. “As the machines start moving and the structure begins to rise, we remain focused on the impact this will have on the town of Dobbins Heights and the generations to come.”
Scott Farmer, executive director of the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, said the project reflects the importance of investing in affordable housing opportunities across smaller communities.
“This is doubly exciting for me. My dad is from Hamlet, grew up in Hamlet, so this is exciting for me to be able to come back to the community he grew up in and be here today,” said Farmer. “We could not be more excited to be here today and celebrate this development. The funding for this property was funded through the American Rescue Plan through a program we designed called the Supportive Housing American Rescue Plan.”
Farmer said the project was made possible through specialized federal recovery funding intended to support long-term housing initiatives.
“Unique dollars with some unique opportunities, and this is certainly a unique property that would be developed here, and we’re excited to see it finally come up out of the ground,” Farmer said. “This is what is so important in these communities—is providing these affordable housing opportunities … We look every more forward to come back for the ribbon cutting where we can celebrate those residents who will be calling this site home for the next 30 or 40 years.”
Sandra Smith, who was recognized during the ceremony for her longtime service to the housing authority, reflected on joining the board nearly two decades ago.
In 2008, Smith said former Rockingham mayor state Sen. Gene McLaurin approached her about becoming a commissioner for the Housing Authority.
“I thought, ‘oh my goodness, what an honor. What would that entail?’” Smith recalled. “Just go in and support and hopefully make housing available for any citizen in Richmond County…”
Smith said what began as a volunteer commitment evolved into a mission centered on expanding safe and affordable housing opportunities.
“To be standing here among so many people I admire, it is truly humbling. I am deeply moved by this recognition. When I became a board member, I didn’t do it for the accolade, I did it because I believe that as citizens of Richmond County, we can ensure there is safe, affordable housing for all,” said Smith.
She credited the Housing Authority staff, town officials, development partners and supporters for helping bring the project to fruition.
“This honor isn’t just an honor for me—it’s a testament to the Rockingham Housing Authority and our commitment to our mission,” Smith said. “I share this stage with a remarkable team.”
Blue also spoke about the early conversations that eventually led to the project moving forward.
“When I first met Chereka, I had a vision that I wanted affordable housing in Dobbins Heights,” said Blue. “She came back to me with it and asked for we partner with them, and I said—before I even talked to the board, I said ‘absolutely.’”
Blue said the development comes at a critical time as many families continue struggling with housing affordability.
“Tough times like it is now, we really need affordable housing,” Blue said. “We need to build these 10, we need to build 10 more, we need to build 10 more because we need it and people need to be able to live in a safe place.”
Blue also credited Robert Brody for encouraging the vision of bringing apartments and expanded housing opportunities to Dobbins Heights years ago.
“Brody had the vision that this was something that should’ve been done years ago,” Blue said. “I look what he told me and put it in my head and left it here and had a great career in the military and came back—this is a Nehemiah moment for me.”