PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — More than two years ago, ground broke on a new housing community in the Sharswood neighborhood of North Philadelphia. The pandemic slowed down construction, but Oxford Green is now complete, and residents are all settled in to their new homes.
"This is a 20-unit, affordable housing, home-ownership development going to the folks who are the working poor, if you will," explained Kelvin Jeremiah, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Housing Authority.
The PHA partnered with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia to make Oxford Green a reality.
"These kids and families occupying the homes are really excited to be part of the community, to finally have a home where they can build wealth and have part of the American dream," said Jeremiah.
Residents of the development on West Oxford Street near 24th Street asked not to be interviewed, but they described their new homes as "nice" and "clean."
Jeremiah says he has been hearing rave reviews as well.
"These are beautiful units, where these families are proud to call home," he said. "We were welcomed at the development by some kids. These are first-time home buyers."
Jeremiah says part of what makes these homes so special is amenities such as large backyards, hardwood floors and appliances.
They have a brand-new, modern look, as well. This development stands out among most other neighboring buildings along Oxford Street.
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"The Sharswood neighborhood historically has been a neighborhood in transition," said Jeremiah. "You had a high concentration of poverty. You had a high concentration of crime."
Oxford Green is seen as a major step toward a revamp.
Some new residents are coming right from PHA public housing facilities. Other new homeowners are frontline workers.
"We recognize what it meant for them now to own their own homes, and we want to see more of that," said Jeremiah.
He hopes eventually people of all income levels will want to live in these homes or others like it. Jeremiah said similar projects are in the works.
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