March 21, 2025

Bettie S. Davis Village in Suffolk, Virginia, offers affordable rental homes designed to support low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities. This welcoming community features accessible units, a community room, and on-site resident services. CHP’s Shakia Moore serves as Property Manager, Jomesa Smith serves as Leasing Consultant, and Sebastian Williams serves as Maintenance Technician.

Jomesa Smith, Shakia Moore, and Sebastian Williams

Please introduce yourself and share a bit about your background in property management.

My name is Shakia, and I have been in property management for eight years — three years as an assistant property manager and five years as a property manager.

How long have you been managing this property?

I have been managing Bettie Davis since 2020.

What makes this property unique or distinctive within the community?

Bettie Davis is a senior and disabled community where rent is based on residents’ income, making it an affordable option for those on a fixed income. The property is somewhat secluded, offering residents privacy, yet it’s still conveniently close to major shopping areas in Suffolk. Additionally, Bettie Davis is connected to a bus line, providing residents with easy access to transportation.

If the property had a personality, how would you describe it in a few words?

Resourceful, Historical, Inviting

A row of single-story brick housing units with brown shingle roofs. Each unit has a small porch with chairs, potted plants, and decorative fences. A black metal accessibility ramp leads to one of the units. The area is surrounded by neatly maintained lawns and flower beds.What’s the most unique feature of this property that residents love? 

The private entry — residents don’t have to go through a building to reach their units. Each unit has its own separate sidewalk, giving residents more independence and privacy.

Can you share any success stories or positive feedback from residents?

One recent move-in came to us feeling hopeless, and now she has a place she’s proud to call home.

Can you share a life hack or clever solution you’ve discovered for common resident needs?

Community food banks, provided by local social services, have been a huge help. We also partner with different organizations during the holiday season. Since many residents rely on a fixed income, these resources are especially helpful when funds run low before the end of the month.

A residential community with single-story brick housing units featuring brown shingle roofs. The foreground shows a small outdoor seating area with three red wooden benches and a decorative concrete bird bath. The area is surrounded by paved walkways, grass, and trees. In the background, there is a tent with folding chairs set up on a lawn, and a parking lot with several cars parked nearby.What is something you like or appreciate about the community?

I really appreciate that the residents have a community room where they can gather, socialize, and connect with one another. It’s a wonderful way to help residents feel engaged rather than isolated.

What qualities make this property a great place to call home?

The combination of its convenient location and affordability makes Bettie Davis a great place to live.

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 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.