England Trail (formerly Habitat Village North)
The England Trail project represents a significant milestone. This ambitious endeavor began a decade ago, fueled by the vision of providing affordable housing and fostering community bonds. Located off Seminole Trail, England Trail aims to transform lives by constructing 20-plus homes for low-income families.
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church graciously donated the property which would ultimately become known as England Trail. Initially known as Habitat Village North, the project was renamed England Trail in memory of our beloved friend Sherman England. Sherman was a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and was a tremendous supporter of this project. The name England Trail honors Sherman’s determination to see this community become a reality, as well as his love for riding trails on his bicycle.
Despite challenges posed by the COVID pandemic, we have seen steady and continual progress. Phase one of this project includes the construction of five homes. Currently, one home is complete, two homes are very near completion, construction has begun on the fourth home, and we are about to break ground on the fifth dwelling. The extensive work on all four homes currently standing is a testament to the dedication of volunteers and supporters.
England Trail isn’t just about houses; it’s about creating a vibrant community. The village will feature a shared community space, emphasizing collective responsibility for its upkeep. As we move forward, we envision many families finding not only shelter but also a sense of belonging and support. Together, we’re building more than homes—we’re building hope and resilience. Thank you for being part of this transformative journey!