Vol. XXXVI No. 36 WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. THURSDAY, May 6. 2010 Lady golfers earn ACC accolades ?See Page BH Program trains boys to be men ?See Pane All Guests readers visit ~ \K)ec-? Phoux, b> L LavUi F-armcr Robert Jones watches as Jessica S m i t h works in the garden. Phou?v b\ La> la f-jrmrr Thammaulus Walker stands in front of the new complex. Welcome Home Housing complex for people with disabilities opens its doors BY LAYLA FARMER THE CHRONICLE People with disabilities in Winston-Salem rum have a new place to call home Local and state officials were among those on hand April 2X for the grand opening of Hunters Hill, a 12-unit supportive housing community on Hutton Street All of the apartments are affordable for people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), organizers say "We have created 12 permanent, supportive housing units that will enable residents to achieve a level of security and independence that would not otherwise be possible." said Garry Merritt. chair of the N C. Housing Foundation, which partnered with the now defunct Center for Homeownership and other local partners to make Hunters Hill a reality. Thammaulus Walker was the first resident to move into complex. Walker, who suffers from a mental health condition, said he learned of the project when it was still under construction and has anxiousl) awaited its com pletion. Walker, who was living with his grandmother prior to moving into the complex, savs his newfound freedom is a welcome change. "I love it." declared the Hunters Hill Apartment* | & ? 36-year-old. They've got cameras everywhere and everv thing It's so quiet and you know it's safe." Diane Evans. director of Development for NC Housing Foundation, said the partnerships that brought the project to fruition were a key component and an important landmark for local organizations. "It kind of sets a precedent in the community for future endeavors." Evans said. "It shows how well different groups with different missions Can come together and make a (suc cessful project)." The Center for Homeownership announced earlier this sear' that it was closing its doors because of budget concerns, after 13 years of service to Winston-Salem. "I'm very proud of it and very proud of the legacy that our organization is leaving in the community." Jane Milner. who retired as the Center's executive director in March, said in ref Sor Vpartmenls . m f%*m In Todd Itttk Stale Hep. Earline Parmon speaks with Larry Womble by her side. Lawmakers praised as lifesavers - literally BY TODD LI CK I III i HRONK I I State Reps. Earline Parmon and Larry Womble were feted for their work to pass the Racial Justice Act (RJA) during an evening reception on April 28 at Winston-Salem State University's Anderson Center. It was sponsored by People of Faith Against the Death Penalty and The Ministers Conference of Winston-Salem and Vicinity The reception, which drew about 2(H) attendees, uas filled with local cler gy. politicians, activists and com munity leaders Parmon and Womble both spon sored the RJ A and worked for three years to get it passed. It was signed into law last August and allows defendants who feel that race played a role in their death penalty conviction to have their cases reviewed in a court of law Defendants can use statistics and other evidence to prove racial bias. If race is found to have been a fac tor in their sentencing, the defen dant will instead receive life in prison without the possibility of parole . Stephen lX*ar. director of Chapel Hill-based People of Faith, pushed hard for the Act and calls it "model See RJ \ (* 45 Darrvl Hunt DON'T PASS THE BUCK BUY LOCAL