On August 5, 2025, Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven proudly celebrated the ribbon cutting of one of the most significant and meaningful projects in our organization’s history: the restoration of 470 Howard Avenue.
This long-vacant house, once a rooming home, had fallen into disrepair. Thanks to years of planning, careful preservation, and the dedication of our staff and partners, NHS was able to restore the property and convert it into an owner-occupied three-family home. According to the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), the property located at 470 Howard Avenue, also known as the William A. Beard House of the Queen Anne style, constructed in 1882, is a contributing resource to the National Register of Historic Places, listed in the Howard Avenue Historic District. SHPO notes that this house is, “an outstanding example of late 19th century eclectic revival style.” Throughout the process, NHS remained committed to preserving the building’s historic character, honoring the craftsmanship and architectural details that have made it a landmark in the Hill neighborhood since the 1880s.
The restoration was made possible thanks to a number of generous subsidy programs. The State Housing Tax Credit program, administered by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, provided most of the subsidies. Additional support came from the City of New Haven through the HOME program and from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, through its Affordable Housing Program. Together, these investments ensured that 470 Howard Avenue could be sold at a price affordable to a first-time homebuyer.
Ashley Bailey’s Homecoming
What makes this project especially powerful is the story of its new homeowner, Ashley Bailey. Ashley’s connection to 470 Howard Avenue goes back generations. As a baby, she lived in the house with her father and grandfather.
Thanks to NHS’s free homebuyer education courses and the support of our community partners, Ashley’s story has come full circle. She is now a first-time homeowner and returning to the very home where her family’s story began. In doing so, she is creating a new chapter for herself and her daughter, London, ensuring that this house remains filled with family, memory, and stability for another generation.
Ashley’s journey is also a reminder of the importance of education in homeownership. By preparing herself through NHS’s programs, she is entering homeownership not only as a buyer, but as an informed and responsible landlord. In a city where many residents face the challenges of predatory landlords, Ashley’s story demonstrates the impact of education, support, and access to opportunity.
More Than Bricks and Mortar
The celebration at 470 Howard Avenue brought together community members, dignitaries, staff, and supporters to honor what this home represents: the intersection of historic preservation, affordable housing, and generational legacy. Speakers included U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and Mayor Justin Elicker, who highlighted how projects like this preserve New Haven’s architectural heritage while expanding the dream of homeownership to families who might otherwise be left behind.
At NHS of New Haven, we believe every home tells a story. With 470 Howard Avenue, we are proud to have helped restore a piece of New Haven’s history, while also helping a family reclaim its roots and invest in its future.
470 Howard Avenue now stands as a pillar of stability in the Hill neighborhood and is a testament to what is possible when vision, funding, and community come together.
