Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg Offering $1,000 Reward After Charles City County Construction Site Vandalized by Gunfire & Arson
The construction site that contains four Habitat for Humanity homes nearing completion in Charles City County has been vandalized for the second time.
The destruction that occurred on Dec. 31, 2023, caused by gunfire, includes broken windows, damage to the roof line and siding, as well as arson to a shed.
Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these criminal acts is asked to contact Charles City County Sheriff’s Office at 804-829-9265 and speak with Cpl. Crystal Roberson. Information may also be submitted to Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers anonymously at 804-780-1000. If that information leads to an arrest, the caller could be eligible for an additional reward of up to $1,000.
“This is tragic not only for the families who anticipate buying their first home but for the entire community,” said Janet V. Green, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg. “When families buy Habitat homes, it creates a positive ripple effect that impacts health, environmental and educational outcomes and contributes to the prosperity of the local economy. Whoever committed these senseless acts is hurting all of Charles City County. We are pleading with people to come forward with any information that can help lead to an arrest.”
The site was also vandalized by gunfire in September.
This marks the first time since its founding in 1985 that Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg has built homes in Charles City County. The families qualified to purchase each of the homes were preparing to move in by spring. Each buyer was approved through Habitat’s first-time Homebuyer Program.
It takes $125,000 to build a Habitat house, a cooperative effort among the future homebuyers, volunteers, community businesses and sponsors and the Habitat construction crew. Green is asking for donations of any amount from the public to help with repairs to the Charles City home so the family can move in on time.
“Our community has always been generous and willing to support Habitat, which is about a hand up, not a handout,” Green said. “We’re asking for a hand up. No gift is too small.” To contribute to the repairs, go here.
