“I’m Second Lieutenant Bridget Pittman-Blackwell, and I’m a future Habitat Wake homeowner.”
Bridget hadn’t always envisioned a path in the military. "The thought would never have crossed my mind until I heard a briefing on my college campus," she recalls. "Listening to the benefits and the long-term goals soldiers had achieved — that was something I wanted for myself and my family.”
Today, we had the privilege of doing something special. Volunteers from Military Missions in Action joined us on-site to work on a home preservation project for a fellow Johnston County veteran. Ralph, who has lived in his home for over 15 years, needed some help restoring his back and side deck. This project is part of Habitat Wake’s mission to complete 80 home preservation projects this year, and partnering with Ralph as part of our Season of Service made it even more meaningful.
"I grew up in Washington, DC, uptown on Peabody Street. My great-great-great-grandmother bought that home, and it stayed in our family for generations. It was the house I grew up in. My grandmother was the last one to have it. The house was fully paid off, but we lost it to outstanding property taxes in 1998. We learned later that because my grandmother was over 62, she could have had the taxes forgiven. What really sticks with me is how much we didn’t know. If you don’t know something, you can’t fight against it."
Applause rang out throughout the Apex Town Council chambers when Senior Pastor Jose Luis of Iglesia Fiesta Cristiana started his public statement with a powerful Martin Luther King Jr. quote: “there is nothing new about poverty, however, what is new is that we have the resources to get rid of it.”
Last week marked a significant milestone for Kai as she attended her Habitat Wake orientation. Without missing a beat, she jumped into her first day on the construction site.
"I walked in today feeling the most nervous about what to expect," Kai shared. "I know we have to complete our sweat equity hours, but I’m not a professional. I wondered, what kind of tasks would I be doing? But once we had our morning meeting, everything just started to flow."
Why Choose Habitat ReStores for Your New Cabinets?
Are you planning to remodel your kitchen or bathroom? Or maybe you’re building a brand-new home? Habitat for Humanity ReStores in the Triangle area offer brand new cabinets that combine style, functionality, and affordability. Plus, all proceeds from your purchase help fund affordable housing in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, and surrounding areas.
Remarks to the Cary Town Council from Rev. Melinda Merkley King, transitional pastor at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church
Hello Cary Town Council and fellow members of the Cary Community. I am Melinda Merkley King, and I currently serve as transitional pastor at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Cary. Our congregation would certainly supply willing workers for this project should it be approved.
AmeriCorps members play an integral role in what we do at Habitat Wake. They help us serve more families, recruit and lead more volunteers, and build more homes. If you’ve ever stepped onto a Habitat construction site, chances are you’ve worked alongside an AmeriCorps volunteer. All members receive a living allowance and a financial contribution toward education upon completing the program, along with other benefits.
Lester stepped into the backyard of the lot in Johnston County that will soon become his forever home. His eyes widened as he took in the expanse of space. This Clayton neighborhood offers particularly large yards for Habitat Wake homes, and to Lester, the possibilities were endless. "I could get a whole garden out here," he said, imagining the rows of fresh produce that could fill the space. "I work for the food bank in Raleigh, and I used to teach urban farming classes."
