Community Bridges 5K Run/Walk to benefit affordable housing

This year’s UVA Community Bridges 5K Run/Walk will benefit the Charlottesville Public Housing Association of Residents (PHAR) and three other local affordable housing groups: the Albemarle Housing Improvement Program (AHIP), Habitat for Humanity, and the Piedmont Housing Alliance (PHA).

This is the second annual Community Bridges race, and it will start at 8 a.m. at UVA’s Chemistry Building on McCormick Road on October 12, 2019.

“The Community Bridges Race Committee, working with UVA President Ryan, has chosen PHAR as a beneficiary of the race,” stated Mark Lorenzoni, Race Director. “PHAR is one of four groups chosen; all are dedicated to addressing affordable housing needs in our community. This is a validation for PHAR and for the university’s commitment to make a difference for lower-income community members.”

Participants will cross three bridges that connect UVA to the surrounding community, including the Westhaven public housing neighborhood. Registration is now open; runners and walkers can sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Charlottesville/CommunityBridges5K. Free parking will be available at Scott Stadium.

“PHAR’s board and staff are looking forward to this event and we are honored to be a beneficiary,” stated PHAR Board President Joy Johnson. “This really means a lot to us, especially because it shows UVA is interested in improving relationships with lower-income residents.”

PHAR was founded over 20 years ago and focuses on leadership development and community organizing to improve the quality of life for public housing residents. PHAR is the only organization in Charlottesville governed by an entirely low-income Board of Directors. Current priorities include:

• Ensuring resident involvement in the redevelopment of public housing, preserving and expanding affordable housing for very low-income people, and
• Recruiting the 2020 team of PHAR interns, public and subsidized housing residents who will learn about local government and history while developing civic participation and leadership skills.

For more information about the Community Bridges Race, UVA has posted FAQ and an interview with Lorenzoni: https://news.virginia.edu/content/qa-years-community-bridges-5k-benefits-another-great- cause?utm_source=DailyReport&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news.