Community Engagement

Being in the community is a critical part of how we deliver affordable housing solutions. We don’t just build affordable housing and call it a day. We remain invested throughout the entire journey and beyond, and our touchpoints are deep. We dig into the hearts of the neighborhoods—we talk and partner with residents, government and community leaders, builders/contractors, lenders, and others. We sponsor and participate in public events that promote homeownership and financial literacy, equitable housing, reduce the social and digital divide, celebrate culture and historic neighborhoods, and enhance public awareness of who and how we serve.

Below are some examples of how we work with our partners and engage with residents, neighbors and communities.

Community Leadership Institute – Charlotte

Working alongside NeighborWorks America, 400 resident leaders from across the country were welcomed to Charlotte for the 2022 Community Leadership Institute, ‘Make Your Mark: No Limits.’ DreamKey recognizes the value of community leadership and understands our role in making a difference In neighborhoods and beyond!

Urban Land Institute Carolinas

Fred Dodson, Jr. participated in the Eating the Elephant: Getting Traction on Affordable Housing panel discussion at the ULI Carolinas meeting, noting the impacts of the pandemic on the affordable housing industry, the importance of diversifying the types of housing we build, and the significance of diversity and inclusion in the field of development.

Fred Dodson Jr. Eating the Elephant Rev 03_23

Neighbors For More Neighbors Charlotte

Neighbors for More Neighbors Charlotte represents a group of nonprofits and community leaders supporting social and economic growth initiatives including the adoption of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to help address the enduring legacy of segregation, creating an equitable roadmap for our neighbors now and in the future.

Affordable Homeownership

Along with other community organizations, we joined A Vibe Outside Festival at the West Complex in Charlotte, promoting homeownership education and down payment assistance programs for first-time homebuyers.

Senior Seminars

Seniors can lose hundreds of millions of dollars annually to financial scams. Through our partnership with Truist, we hosted financial fraud seminars at our senior (55+) apartment communities to help residents learn about scams and tips on how to avoid being scammed.

Nutritional Food Sources

President Julie Porter and others in the community celebrated the unveiling of the Uptown Farmers Market mural promoting community and nutritious food for families. Our senior residents living at Anita Stroud and the Gables also have access to free shuttle services to/from the market thanks to a grant provided by the American Heart Association.

Along with U.S. Bank, we provided fruit smoothies to families living at the Mezzanine at Freedom, a 185-unit multifamily apartment community in Charlotte, as well as others visiting and living nearby.

Charlotte Regional Business Alliance

President Julie Porter was among the Charlotte region group that traveled to Austin, Texas, and had the honor of moderating a breakout panel discussion Building Better Futures: Affordability during the trip. The discussion addressed questions about the exponential growth Austin has seen over the years and its impact on the city’s affordability, including business and talent attraction and retention.

News Impact Summit

We sponsored the inaugural Local News Impact Summit – Solutions for Charlotte’s Affordable Housing Crisis. Fred Dodson, Jr. participated in a panel discussion about how DreamKey Partners is helping to address the ongoing need for affordable housing.

“We are increasing the rate of equitable, affordable homeownership through development and programs. It is imperative that we help families build wealth and ensure that our neighborhoods are preserved for future generations.” — Fred Dodson, Jr., COO & EVP, Real Estate Development

Neighborhood Meetings

As a critical component of our real estate development, we host listen-and-learn forums with neighborhood residents, churches, public officials and others to update them on new housing coming to their communities, answer questions, and activate and reactivate homeowner associations.