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.
Spanning two days, NC Housing Day was a joint effort by Habitat for Humanity of North Carolina, the NC Housing Coalition and the NC Coalition to End Homelessness. Together, we raised our voices across the housing continuum (rental assistance, homelessness response, and homeownership) urging lawmakers to invest in safe, stable and affordable housing for all.
According to Habitat North Carolina, nearly half of North Carolina renters (48%) and nearly one in five homeowners (19%) are cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. With housing costs continuing to rise, the need for bold legislative action is urgent.
"The cost of housing is rising, and North Carolinians are struggling to find a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Paul Reeves, Interim President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity NC. “Many families are at risk of displacement from the rising cost of property taxes, insurance, and rents. But we can change this by strengthening and fully funding our state housing programs. Habitat for Humanity is ready to work with NC lawmakers to make housing more affordable and help families stay in their homes."
Among the most powerful voices that day were those with lived experience—people who know firsthand the challenges of housing insecurity. Habitat Wake homeowner Keena Lee joined the advocacy efforts to share her story and show what affordable housing can make possible.
She spoke of her journey beginning 12 years ago, when she first applied to Habitat Wake’s homeownership program. “I was renting and prices were going up. I just couldn’t make it happen,” Keena said. But after completing the program and purchasing her home, life changed for her and her family.
Now, her children are teenagers preparing for college and careers. “The equity I have in my home is helping me to pay for my daughter’s college education,” she shared. “Because of what the home has given us, we’re able to actually have these dreams.” For Keena, homeownership provided more than just a roof over their heads—it gave her family stability. Her story reflects what housing experts have long understood: stable housing is foundational to financial, health, and educational success. With a solid foundation beneath them, Keena and her children have not only found stability, they’ve found the freedom to imagine possibilities and pursue them.
What was out of reach for Keena a decade ago has become even more unattainable for many North Carolinians today. Homeownership—and even access to affordable rental housing—has slipped further away for families across the state.
Beyond the meetings with legislators, NC Housing Day served as a space for advocates to connect, learn, and build momentum for long-term change. In coming together, we demonstrated the power of collective action—and the urgent need to make housing a top priority in North Carolina. If you're interested in learning about advocacy opportunities throughout the year, learn more at: https://www.habitatwake.org/advocacy
See what local press had to say:
Advocates rally for affordable housing solutions for North Carolina families: 'It's a human right' | ABC11
Housing, homeless advocates meet with legislators on ‘NC Housing Day’ | NC Newsline