Affordable Knightdale Plan Approved
Town of Wendell Rezones & Donates 5 Lots
Apex Town Council Seeks to Prevent Displacement
The people of faith were instrumental in all these wins.
Habitat has always advocated for housing for all. Habitat’s global mission principles established in 1976 proclaims that, “we will seek to put shelter on hearts and minds in such powerful ways that the lack of affordable housing becomes socially, politically and religiously unacceptable”. In 2024, Habitat Wake, and the people of faith made great strides in advocating for policies so that everyone has access to affordable housing.
The faith community is a natural partner as Habitat advocates for affordable housing. We both stand upon the prophetic tradition of our faith which not only calls us to directly serve those in need but also to work to create more loving and just communities. In 2024, this alliance flourished.
In Knightdale, the people of faith advocated for the establishment of Knightdale’s first ever affordable housing plan. 9 people attended public hearings to support this action. Several made public comments. Others just simply present holding, I support an affordable Knightdale placard.
In Wendell, Bennie Collins of Wendell Baptist Church pleaded the case for the Town of Wendell to donate property to Habitat. Then 25 people of faith attended public hearings for the rezoning of this property allowing Habitat to build homes on this property.
In Cary, 12 people of faith attended a public hearing to move forward the rezoning of property for affordable housing. 9 Wake Forest people of faith attended a public hearing to support a rezoning case for affordable housing in their community. A Wake Forest church hosted the earlier neighborhood meeting. Two Garner churches hosted neighborhood meetings to begin the rezoning process of affordable housing in their community. 6 people of faith attended the neighborhood meeting for Greenwood Forest Baptist Church’s repurposing project for some of their campus for affordable housing, and 43 people attended the December 12 public hearing.
In Apex, the leaders of 14 churches (representing over 24,000 congregants) signed a pastoral letter encouraging the Town to prevent the displacement of residents vulnerable to displacement due to redevelopment. Faith leaders then encouraged the members of the congregation and the wider community to sign a letter as well. Approximately 900 people signed this letter. Both letters were presented to the Town Council with 75 people in attendance holding protect our community placards. The Council heard this loving plea and is now deliberating how to protect their citizens from displacement.
As Habitat Wake begins to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025, I believe the architects of Habitat’s global mission principles in 1976 would be smiling. Thanks to the people of faith, Habitat Wake is putting God’s love into action. A wide variety of people are coming together for direct service. This beautiful collection of people is now also using their voices and their presence to create a community where all are loved, and all have access to affordable housing.