When Ricky retired from a long career as a bricklayer, he set his sights on a new project: transforming the fixer-upper he had purchased into the home of his dreams. But tackling extensive repairs required skills beyond his expertise. That’s how Ricky found himself at Habitat Wake’s Old Poole construction site—a place where he’s become a familiar face over the past few months.
What does Thanksgiving mean to you? For many of us, the holiday brings to mind the "firsts" that make a house feel like home—your first time hosting loved ones around the table, the first holiday season in a new space, or the first memories of settling your kids into the room where they’ll grow up.
For Eugenia, this year marks all of those precious milestones. And this week? Her first Thanksgiving in her very own home. After closing on her house this fall, Eugenia is stepping into a season of gratitude and new beginnings.
Apex churches are following Jesus in standing with the vulnerable. As an Apex resident, I could not be prouder.
On September 24, Apex area churches took the lead in mobilizing approximately 75 people, filling the council chamber, asking the Apex Council to protect approximately 1,100 residents in three Apex manufactured home communities that are vulnerable to displacement from redevelopment. Quoting key concepts of their faith, 4 church leaders lovingly spoke and their congregants quietly held “Protect our Community!” signs.
We were honored to be recognized by the NC Home Builders Association on November 13, 2024 with a STARS award for our Home Builders Blitz project! The STARS Awards program honors the achievements of home building industry professionals from across North Carolina.
“I’m Second Lieutenant Bridget Pittman-Blackwell, and I’m a future Habitat Wake homeowner.”
Bridget hadn’t always envisioned a path in the military. "The thought would never have crossed my mind until I heard a briefing on my college campus," she recalls. "Listening to the benefits and the long-term goals soldiers had achieved — that was something I wanted for myself and my family.”
Today, we had the privilege of doing something special. Volunteers from Military Missions in Action joined us on-site to work on a home preservation project for a fellow Johnston County veteran. Ralph, who has lived in his home for over 15 years, needed some help restoring his back and side deck. This project is part of Habitat Wake’s mission to complete 80 home preservation projects this year, and partnering with Ralph as part of our Season of Service made it even more meaningful.
"I grew up in Washington, DC, uptown on Peabody Street. My great-great-great-grandmother bought that home, and it stayed in our family for generations. It was the house I grew up in. My grandmother was the last one to have it. The house was fully paid off, but we lost it to outstanding property taxes in 1998. We learned later that because my grandmother was over 62, she could have had the taxes forgiven. What really sticks with me is how much we didn’t know. If you don’t know something, you can’t fight against it."
Applause rang out throughout the Apex Town Council chambers when Senior Pastor Jose Luis of Iglesia Fiesta Cristiana started his public statement with a powerful Martin Luther King Jr. quote: “there is nothing new about poverty, however, what is new is that we have the resources to get rid of it.”
Last week marked a significant milestone for Kai as she attended her Habitat Wake orientation. Without missing a beat, she jumped into her first day on the construction site.
"I walked in today feeling the most nervous about what to expect," Kai shared. "I know we have to complete our sweat equity hours, but I’m not a professional. I wondered, what kind of tasks would I be doing? But once we had our morning meeting, everything just started to flow."
Why Choose Habitat ReStores for Your New Cabinets?
Are you planning to remodel your kitchen or bathroom? Or maybe you’re building a brand-new home? Habitat for Humanity ReStores in the Triangle area offer brand new cabinets that combine style, functionality, and affordability. Plus, all proceeds from your purchase help fund affordable housing in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, and surrounding areas.