Aderholt Secures $2.5 Million for Wallace State Community College Affordable Housing and Childcare Project

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt announced today that he has secured $2.5 million in federal funding for Wallace State Community College’s Lions’ Village project in Hanceville, as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The funding will support construction of a tiny home village featuring micro-dwellings designed for student families, along with an on-campus childcare facility. Together, the project is intended to remove significant barriers to student success by addressing two of the most pressing challenges facing student parents: affordable housing and accessible childcare.

“Wallace State plays a vital role in preparing Alabama’s workforce and expanding opportunity for families across our region,” said Congressman Aderholt. “By investing in affordable housing and childcare on campus, this project helps ensure that student parents have the support they need to complete their education and build a better future. I was proud to support this initiative and deliver federal resources that will have a lasting impact on students and the community.”

Wallace State Community College President Dr. Vicki Karolewics emphasized the transformative nature of the project:

“At Wallace State, our mission is to remove every possible barrier to student success, and for many of our students, the two greatest hurdles are affordable housing and accessible childcare,” said Dr. Karolewics, “This $2.5 million congressionally directed spending award for the Lions’ Village project is a game-changer. By co-locating micro-homes designed for families with a state-of-the-art childcare facility right here on campus, we are creating a holistic support system that allows student parents to focus on their education without the constant worry of where they will live or who will care for their children. We are deeply grateful for this investment, which isn’t just building structures — it’s building a foundation for multi-generational success in our community.”

The Wallace State Community College project is one of several community-focused investments Congressman Aderholt secured for Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District through the FY26 appropriations process. In total, more than $56 million was included for local projects across the district, strengthening education, workforce development, infrastructure, and economic opportunity.

The FY26 appropriations package has passed the House of Representatives and now heads to the U.S. Senate, where it is expected to receive final approval before being signed into law.