News & Updates

Reflection by Steve LaSala, Habitat Coordinator at Beth Meyer Synagogue an architect of the Interfaith Build

Good morning, and welcome to this year's Habitat Wake Interfaith Build.  We are all here because we believe that our duty to God and the practice of our faith traditions encourage it.  But I'd like to spend a little time going deeper into those notions.

Habitat's vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Well recently, that vision extended to an unexpected feline friend discovered at one of our construction sites! 

Ask a child what they want for their birthday, and you might hear some similar answers: maybe a Lego set or an art project, maybe a new soccer ball or video game. But not for nine-year-old Cora June. This year, she had a different wish: to host a lemonade stand and raise money for Habitat.

CJ spent a 95° birthday weekend selling lemonade and orangeade in her neighborhood and at her grandparents’ congregation, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, a Habitat Faith Partner of at least 10 years.

With countless voices weighing in on millennial homeownership challenges and trends, we wanted to spotlight one individual's story. Meet Mary! She's a copywriter, textile artist, and one of our brand new partner homebuyers! We were lucky enough to connect with her about her experiences. Here's what she had to say: 

What challenges did you face pursuing homeownership?

Houses are important but we advocate for people. Each house is more than a structure of wood, sheetrock, and nails. Each represents the real lives of the people living in them, where new starts take place and hopes for the future are born.

Habitat for Humanity of Wake County is pleased to announce the election of five new members to our Board of Directors. Please join us in welcoming Matt Birckhead (Sir Water Chevrolet), MaryBurr Edwards (Fonville Morisey Realty), Richard Gephart (Gephart Building Company), Reverend Dr. Jeffrey B. Robinson (Juniper Level Missionary Baptist Church), and David Stewart (Elliot Davis). 

This June, amid the flurry of Home Builders Blitz, an unexpected reunion unfolded. Among the many subcontractors coming out that week was Tyleam Edwards and his insulation crew. But this wasn't his first time stepping onto a Habitat for Humanity site.

As families face rising costs and limited housing inventory, the need for innovative and inclusive approaches becomes more evident, including options that serve multi-generational families. Our partner homebuyer, Hasna, not only purchased a home for herself but also guided her parents through the same process. Now, they will be living just two doors apart, creating a beautiful intergenerational neighborhood.

As Pride Month concludes, we look back on efforts made by organizations in our area to support and uplift LGBTQ+ communities. This year, we wanted to emphasize Habitat Wake's dedication to being an inclusive organization and supporting affordable housing for people of all backgrounds. From volunteer build days to community outreach and networking events, this has been a Pride Month to remember!