Remarks to the Cary Town Council from Rev. Melinda Merkley King, transitional pastor at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church
Hello Cary Town Council and fellow members of the Cary Community. I am Melinda Merkley King, and I currently serve as transitional pastor at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Cary. Our congregation would certainly supply willing workers for this project should it be approved.
AmeriCorps members play an integral role in what we do at Habitat Wake. They help us serve more families, recruit and lead more volunteers, and build more homes. If you’ve ever stepped onto a Habitat construction site, chances are you’ve worked alongside an AmeriCorps volunteer. All members receive a living allowance and a financial contribution toward education upon completing the program, along with other benefits.
Lester stepped into the backyard of the lot in Johnston County that will soon become his forever home. His eyes widened as he took in the expanse of space. This Clayton neighborhood offers particularly large yards for Habitat Wake homes, and to Lester, the possibilities were endless. "I could get a whole garden out here," he said, imagining the rows of fresh produce that could fill the space. "I work for the food bank in Raleigh, and I used to teach urban farming classes."
This fall, Habitat Wake is proud to celebrate our veterans through a Season of Service. From September 11 – December 7, we will bring together veterans and their allies for multiple Veterans Build events aimed at honoring our service members, fostering community engagement and raising awareness of the specific housing challenges faced by the veteran community.
Nigeria McMichael is a Habitat Wake homebuyer and self-proclaimed "people person." As she nears the finish line of her sweat equity hours and prepares to close on her home, Nigeria has been spending time volunteering at the Raleigh ReStore. While working, she couldn’t help but make friends—and an unlikely connection blossomed when she met Beth, a fellow volunteer.
Voting is a powerful way to support affordable housing at every level of government. Federal, state, and local elections all have an impact on housing.
With a clipboard in hand and a smile lighting up her face, Ayofemi stepped out into the sunshine at Old Poole Place. Today was a special milestone—her lot selection day.
"I'm really excited and at the same time, it's a lot to choose from, you know?" Ayofemi shared. "It's my first home. They're all beautiful homes. It's just going to be what's the right fit for me and my family"
Habitat for Humanity International is a global Christian housing ministry. At home dedications all over the world, we have a tradition of presenting a Bible to the homebuyers.
We have this tradition because the founders of Habitat started this ministry based on what they read in the pages of the Bible. They were convinced that Jesus was radically inclusive, and so should we be.
Reflection by Steve LaSala, Habitat Coordinator at Beth Meyer Synagogue an architect of the Interfaith Build
Good morning, and welcome to this year's Habitat Wake Interfaith Build. We are all here because we believe that our duty to God and the practice of our faith traditions encourage it. But I'd like to spend a little time going deeper into those notions.
