National Housing Trust/Enterprise saved 147 affordable apartment homes in Fredericksburg, VA. Hazel Hill Apartments was once the picture of a failing HUD assisted property. By early 2004, the property had twice failed HUD's property inspections. The owner was facing foreclosure and residents, many of whom had lived in their homes for 30 years, were facing displacement. With housing prices skyrocketing in the city, losing the 147 affordable homes would have been a serious setback for the Fredricksburg community. NHT/Enterprise acquired the property in July 2004 and secured the financing needed to complete $7 million in property renovations.

The redevelopment of Hazel Hill Apartmnets earned NHT/Enterprise Affordable Housing Finance Magazine's "Best Preservation Project" award.

What makes this redevelopment unique is the Hazel Hill Community Enrichment Program which creatively addresses the social and economic challenges of low-income families. The program earned NHT/Enterprise the 2007 Housing Association for Nonprofit Developers' (HAND) award for Best Community Life Program in Northern Virginia.

The cornerstone of the Community Enrichment Program is a less than traditional approach to community safety. NHT-Enterprise donated $50,000 to the City of Fredericksburg to help fund community police officers at the property. The officers walk- not patrol- the community, actively meeting with residents, and participating in community events. Becoming involved at the community level, the police officers have an opportunity to know the residents, and the residents in turn rely on the police officers as a resource.

A resident services coordinator was hired to facilitate programs that have improved residents’ quality of life. Children now have access to many enrichment and recreational opportunities. They can work on homework in the computer lab, play on the property’s new playground or participate in after school activities. An on site nurse provides medical assistance that is often needed by the elderly and disabled residents. She also teaches classes on health related issues such as nutrition, pre- and post-natal care, and infant and child care development.