CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. - eTradeWire -- As Virginia Tech announces a $229.2 million increase to its athletics budget over the next four years, Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley is encouraging a community-wide conversation about priorities, housing access, and the region's future.

"We recognize the importance of athletics to the university's identity and economic impact," said Jim Drader, Executive Director of HFHNRV. "But we also see the growing number of working families, many employed by the university, who cannot afford to live in the community they serve."

The cost of a single Habitat home in the current market, like those at the Airport Road Townhomes project in Blacksburg, is now approaching $350,000 per unit. With the same $229 million investment, over 650 homes could be built, transforming lives and addressing a mounting housing crisis.

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Habitat NRV's community land trust model ensures these homes remain permanently affordable. Paired with energy-efficient design and homebuyer education, these investments have a ripple effect across generations, improving health, educational outcomes, and economic mobility.

"This isn't about choosing between homes or scoreboards," Drader added. "It's about asking how we, as a community, ensure that growth benefits everyone, not just those who can afford it."

HFHNRV invites Virginia Tech, local leaders, and residents to join in a regional conversation about sustainable, inclusive development—and how we can work together to build a future that offers opportunities for all.https://www.habitatnrv.org