November 21, 2024

Willie Greene and his son

For Mayor Willie Greene of Galax, Virginia, Northway Apartments is a part of his life story. This community, owned by Community Housing Partners (CHP) and recently renovated, played a significant role in shaping his appreciation for safe, stable housing and its impact on families. 

Greene lived at Northway Apartments for several years in the late 1970s. “I grew up poor, and housing was really rough,” he recalled. “It was one of those deals where you look up at the roof and see through to the sky, and your water is frozen when you get up in the morning.” After getting married, Greene and his wife rented a house, but the conditions weren’t much better. “We had an oil heater and probably used 100 gallons of oil every two weeks. We were always trying to wrap up in blankets and keep warm, and we even opened the oven in the kitchen to try to get warm.” 

When Greene and his family had the opportunity to move to Northway Apartments, the difference was clear. “Boy, it was like ‘wow this is heaven,’” he said. “It had air conditioning and heat, we bought rugs to put down, and it was wonderful, nice, and clean.” Northway provided the stability and comfort that had been missing from his earlier housing experiences, allowing him and his family to settle into a better quality of life. 

Greene’s early struggles and the stability he found at Northway Apartments helped him develop a deep understanding of the importance of housing and community. “I’ve served on city council for 30 years because I wanted to give people an opportunity to know their voices were heard,” Greene explained. He proudly described his efforts to advocate for the repurposing of the Rosenwals-Felts School building, which he attended as a child, into a community center and Head Start facility. For Greene, every building in Galax tells a story that reflects the potential for growth, resilience, and positive change. 

Now, as mayor, Greene is excited to see the transformation of Northway Apartments through the recent $12.4 million renovation led by CHP. “I thought it was wonderful because housing is a big issue for us here in Galax,” he said. “When [my friends] saw Northway Apartments, they were really impressed. They couldn’t believe how nice they looked, and I got to tell them that I used to live there back in the late 1970s.” (Read more about the grand reopening). 

Mayor Willie Greene speaking at the Grand Reopening of Northway Apartments

The renovation project, which included energy-efficient windows, upgraded HVAC systems, and modernized living spaces, is part of CHP’s mission to create sustainable, affordable housing. For Greene, these improvements represent the positive impact that accessible housing can have on residents. “I think the residents at Northway feel a real sense of belonging,” he stated. “A lot of times, people feel like all they do is pay rent, but when they feel that sense of belonging, they’re happier.”  

The mayor’s longstanding connection to Northway Apartments has shaped his commitment to improving housing opportunities for Galax residents. “There are some people who live at Northway, and I don’t know where they would live if they couldn’t live there,” Greene said. His story is a reminder that safe, comfortable homes, like those created and preserved by CHP, can change lives and shape the future of entire communities.  

Founded in 1975, Community Housing Partners (CHP) provides quality-built, responsibly managed, service-enriched homes for low-income individuals and families across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Through its mission to create homes and communities that are healthy, sustainable, and affordable, CHP has been a leading advocate of affordable housing development for nearly 50 years. CHP’s activities include real estate development, construction, energy services and training, asset management, property management, realty and homeownership, and comprehensive resident services.