Faith leaders support and empower their communities. Habitat Wake’s Faith Partners powerfully support our mission by partnering in builds that bring families home. Together, and across faiths, we are united for a greater purpose, that everyone has a decent place to call home. We are thankful for the many clergy that work passionately alongside us on our build sites, and in advocating for affordable housing for all. This year for Clergy Appreciation Day we are spotlighting a few of our key clergy supporters and friends.
Pastor Dr. Enoch Halloway of Friendship Chapel Baptist Church
Why is affordable housing important to you?
Affordable housing is important to me because of my personal life experiences. I can resonate with the pains of poverty and discrimination. I was blessed to be able to move to a better quality home but many of my brothers and sisters are still stuck and with little hope of moving.
What has been your biggest takeaway/ favorite memory from volunteering with Habitat Wake?
My biggest takeaway has been seeing the smiles on the faces of the individuals whose homes were repaired and the joy of celebrating the move into a new house by new homeowners.
How or why would you encourage others to get involved?
All the work is inspired by God, what greater need can we find than housing for those who can't afford a house. I believe we are blessed to be a blessing to those who need us. So, be a blessing.
What are some other initiatives for housing you have been involved with?
My first initiative for housing occurred when our church was able to replace a house for a member whose home was destroyed by fire. I have also worked with One Wake in its aid to the Wellington Village Mobile Park, as well as support the affordable housing initiative before the county commissioners.
Why should faith groups be involved with the work of Habitat Wake?
Faith groups must be concerned to care for marginalized communities which is precisely what Habitat Wake does. Working with Habitat is an extension of our Christian duty.
Lastly, is there anything else you would like to tell people?
Any recognition for me must be shared with the people of Friendship Chapel Baptist Church. They have supported me in all of my crazy wishes. They have been so faithful to "go when the Spirit says go." Thanks to Habitat for giving me along with the Friendship Chapel brothers and sisters the opportunity to serve.
Rev. Paul L. Anderson of The Foundation of Raleigh Fellowship
Why is affordable housing important to you?
Affordable housing is important to me because it should be one of the givens. I I find it nestled in the Constitution as part of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And I believe it consistent with the teachings of the Holy Bible.
What has been your biggest takeaway/ favorite memory from volunteering with Habitat Wake?
I have many favorite memories to isolate just one would diminish all the others. Every Board meeting, every Habitat build, every home dedication, every encounter with Habitat is a favored encounter for me.
How or why would you encourage others to get involved?
I encourage others to get involved because I believe that it is a duty to our society to assist others in finding a safe place to live, to grow, to play, and to pray.
What are some other initiatives for housing have you been involved with?
I was on the initial committee for the 10 year plan to End Homelessness, the originating Board for Oak City Cares, and many other initiatives to provide housing and prevent homelessness in Wake County.
Why should faith groups be involved with the work of Habitat Wake?
I believe it a part of every faith’s core values and it is not an option, but an expectation.
Lastly, is there anything else you would like to tell people?
Volunteer and pick up a hammer!
Rabbi Eric Solomon of Beth Meyer Synagogue
Why is affordable housing important to you?
Affordable housing is important to me morally, civically, and personally.
-
Morally—Because the Torah commands us to build a society where every person has a place to call home.
-
Civically—Because a city like ours should not be just a place for the upper crust to enjoy; it must be a true community with diversity. A place that CEOs, physicians, attorneys, tech workers, and firefighters, law enforcement, public school teachers, and construction workers can all call home.
-
Personally—Because my parents, as public-school teachers, gave their lives to serve the public and could only afford to live in our prosperous county due to a more affordable housing market. What gave me a leg up, I want to make sure is available to others.
What has been your biggest takeaway/ favorite memory from volunteering with Habitat Wake?
Every year when I come to volunteer on a clergy day and I see all of God’s children working together, in the rain or the heat, holding tools of all kinds, sweating together and pushing plyboard into a row - I see God’s face and its smiling.
How or why would you encourage others to get involved?
People should get involved because they believe that all of God’s creatures deserve a home. And they should serve because it lifts the soul. I promise you that you will feel lifted up by the time you finish your shift!
What are some other initiatives for housing have you been involved with?
I’ve helped serve on the board of Urban Ministries of Wake County that serves the homeless in Wake County and my congregation has given financial and nutritional support to the UM food pantry for many years.
Why should faith groups be involved with the work of Habitat Wake?
Faith groups should be involved because they see the work of Habitat because it is an extraordinary way to bring the Bible’s teachings to life. God created a world with land and wood and construction materials. But God needs our help building homes. When we are out there at a build, God is holding our hands!