PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Habitat for Humanity is unwrapping some brand-new affordable homes in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood. The 21-unit, multi-family development is named Coltrane Commons in honor of the jazz legend who once lived in the neighborhood.
“We’re in a historic space. John Coltrane’s house is just down the way,” said Rita Calicat, Habitat Philadelphia’s director of home sales and post-project engagement. “To bring Coltrane Commons now for Habitat, you know, we felt it was an appropriate homage to respect that there is history in this neighborhood.”
Red ribbons are cut and doors are open. And Habitat for Humanity is welcoming four families into the newly completed homes.
“In John Coltrane’s neighborhood. It couldn’t be better. It’s rich, right,” Calicat said. “And to do it this time of year. We’re bringing families home for the holidays and that’s amazing.”
The first-time home buyers, having graduated from Habitat’s homeownership program, will now join the nonprofit’s first condominium association, she explains.
Calicut says hope ownership is important. “It is the key to changing the trajectory of the lives of families who are low- to moderate-income. We strive to bring more families home.”
Families like Ashley and her twin daughters will walk into new homes — and they will walk into new communities.
“Ownership makes a difference, not just for the family, but the community, the stabilizing of the community. This gives them an opportunity to have assets and to build a future.”
And the timing couldn’t be better.
“Just being a part of this and everything — and now, buy my home. It’s great,” Ashley said.
“I want to build my future — for the years to come — for my nieces and my nephews. And we’re here now. We’re here. We’re home for the holidays.”
Coltrane Commons, comprising 10 single-family homes and 11 condos, broke ground in October 2022.