As Easter arrives, it serves as a poignant reminder of renewal, hope, and the transformative power of love. At Habitat for Humanity, we embody these principles every day as we strive to alleviate the immense affordable housing shortage in Wake County and Johnston counties and make affordable homeownership a reality with families. As valued partners, your dedication and passion are instrumental in driving this mission forward, and we are immensely grateful for your ongoing support.

At Habitat Wake, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day on, rather than a day off. Several faith groups joined forces for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Together, they built and raised walls for affordable homes in our community, embodying Dr. King's vision of the beloved community.

The event kicked off Habitat Wake’s annual Beloved Build, which for more than 10 years has brought faith groups together to put into practice Dr. King’s concept of the beloved community: an integrated, just society that is the ideal expression of the Christian faith.

Reflection provided at the kick-off ceremony for the Johnston County Faith Build. Written by: Rev. Sherry C. Storrs, Deacon Grace Episcopal Church, Clayton; Episcopal Diocese NC

An Easter message by Rick Beech, VP of Faith Relations 
 

In the Christian tradition, we are in the Easter season. Easter pivots around two days. On Friday, there is the crucifixion. It is as dark as it gets. It appears that darkness wins. On Sunday, there is the resurrection. It is as light as it gets. Hope wins. 

This is an adapted version of a guest sermon given by Rick Beech, Habitat Wake VP of Faith Relations, on January 29, 2023 at Pleasant Grove United Methodist. 

While on earth, Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God more than anything else. The Kingdom that Jesus was announcing, however, was not the Kingdom that many were expecting. This Kingdom would not be about power, nationalism, or triumphalism. It would be a new way of being for all of humanity. It would be the Kingdom of love and humility.

Yesterday, more than 60 volunteers assembled to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by volunteering with Habitat Wake to help build what Dr. King called the Beloved Community — a vision of an integrated, just society without hunger, homelessness and poverty — the ideal expression of the Christian faith. 

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.

Last Thursday, over 500 homeowners and advocates joined a public assembly in Southeast Raleigh to show support for a local property tax relief program. This event, hosted by ONE Wake, called on Raleigh City Council and Wake County Commissioners to prioritize property tax relief in next fiscal year’s budget.

Habitat Wake is grateful for the contributions great, small and everything in between from this incredible community across the globe.