Affordable Housing

Habitat Homeowner Marwa arrived in the United States at age 13 with her family, stepping into a completely new world. As a refugee with Eritrean and Sudanese roots, her early years in the U.S. were shaped by transition, resilience and her family’s determination to build a stable foundation.

This June, we were able to welcome four homeowners into their new neighborhood in Knightdale, NC. We know how much commitment it took to get to this point, and we are so excited for these families to begin their next chapter. To our faith partners, sponsors, volunteers and staff--thank you! It's continually inspiring to see so many parts of our community come together. 

We can’t believe it’s already been a week since we wrapped this year's Home Builders Blitz! From May 8–16, Habitat Wake partnered with local for-profit builders to take five homes from frame to finish—all in just seven days.

Last week, more than 150 housing advocates from across North Carolina gathered in downtown Raleigh for NC Housing Day, holding over 100 meetings with state and local legislators to deliver one clear message: housing must be a top priority in North Carolina’s budget and legislative agenda.

For Sharon Watson, the past year has been a battle for stability. A mother, grandmother, and dedicated employee at the Department of Health and Human Services, she has spent much of her time navigating the stress of housing insecurity. Now, as she nears the completion of Habitat’s rigorous homeownership program, she reflects on how this journey has been deeply tied to her health and how having a stable home will transform her future.

As we reflect on 40 years of history at Habitat Wake, we find ourselves contemplating the power of “firsts.”

Those first hopeful conversations. The first home built to completion.

Another landmark worth celebrating: the first church to fully and independently sponsor a Habitat Wake home — and the homeowner whose voice helped shape the future of our mission.

This Black History Month, we're honoring the incredible Black housing leaders whose achievements paved the way for greater access to affordable housing.  These advocates, policymakers, and community organizers worked tirelessly to break down barriers to homeownership, fight discriminatory housing practices and create more equitable communities.
 

As the new year begins, goal-setting and resolutions are top of mind. For many, homeownership is a major long-term dream. If that sounds like you, why not make 2025 the year you take concrete steps toward achieving it?

At Habitat Wake, we work closely with homebuyers every day. Here are some essential first steps we'd recommend to any prospective homebuyers:

1. Understand Your Credit

Dig deeper with us!

Historic discrimination in U.S. housing policy has been a driver of inequalities that persist today. At Habitat Wake, we know we have a responsibility to raise awareness about the continuing effects of these policies and to advocate for opportunities that increase affordable housing access for all.