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.
In 1987, Edenton Street United Methodist Church became the first congregation to sponsor a whole Habitat Wake home. Their commitment not only changed the life of a homeowner but also set a precedent, inspiring other churches to follow. The impact was immediate: their involvement brought visibility to Habitat Wake, drawing in prominent figures such as Gov. Jim Hunt and Congressman David Price, as well as a growing network of faith-based supporters.
We spoke with Renae Newmiller, the current director of local and global engagement at Edenton Street UMC. While she wasn’t involved in the 1987 build, the legacy of that home remains deeply woven into the congregation’s history.
“Our entire church really rallied around that build,” Newmiller said. “It was beautiful — the way they bonded with the homeowner through the process, spending time with her, working alongside her during sweat equity hours. That was our first experience with Habitat, and we’ve been building with Habitat Wake ever since.”
The homeowner in question was Dorothy Smith.
Dorothy was one of Habitat Wake’s earliest homebuyers — and one of its most passionate advocates. After moving into her Habitat home, she took every opportunity to share her story, inspiring more faith groups to step forward as sponsors. She believed in the power of homeownership because she had lived it, and she made sure others knew what was possible.
Although Dorothy passed away in 2022, her legacy endures. Rick Beech, Habitat Wake’s founder and now the Vice President of Faith Relations, remembers her well.
“I helped to found us, but Dorothy Smith put us on the map,” Rick shared.
Around 1987, Habitat Wake was a one-person operation, with Rick working part time. Then Dorothy came along as a "one-person fundraising team" spreading the word through church presentations alongside Rick.
“She was out there telling her story, advocating, making sure people understood the importance of this work,” Rick recalled.
She shared the ways homeownership changed her family’s life — how her children were thriving, doing well in school, coming out of their shells, and enjoying time in their very own yard. She remained a passionate supporter of Habitat Wake’s mission until the very end, requesting donations to Habitat in lieu of flowers at her memorial service.
Dorothy’s story is part of Habitat Wake’s DNA — and part of the enduring outreach mission at Edenton Street UMC.
"We remember that build. And we believe we are called to love our neighbors and connect with our community," Renae said.
One key way Habitat Wake has expanded since those early years is by growing its work beyond the construction site and into housing policy. Renae echoed this shift.
“Habitat has done a fantastic job of building into advocacy work. Even if you aren't able to build, anybody can pick up the phone to advocate for funding or affordable housing or show up at a local commissioner meeting,” she said. “There's such a huge need in our state and country for housing, and the advocacy work that Habitat leads is just amazing.”
We are grateful to remain partnered with Edenton Street UMC, an early pioneer that paved the way for other faith groups to invest their time and efforts in their communities alongside Habitat Wake. And we are grateful for the lasting impact Dorothy Smith gifted us.
In many ways, she was another first we can celebrate: our first advocate. And we will continue this work for her and for those still waiting for a safe, affordable place to call home.