Make a Home a Reality this Easter
updated April 29, 2024
Homeownership is one of the best ways to create family stability and generational wealth, yet it’s out of reach for most Charlotteans. Today, teachers and social service providers like nurses, police officers, and social workers struggle to make ends meet as they care for and create opportunities for some of our community’s most vulnerable families.
Freedom Communities, a First Presbyterian partner working in the 28208 zip code, leverages a collective impact approach. Executive Director Hannah Beavers explained, “Freedom Communities is a place-based nonprofit, meaning we intentionally limit the geographic area in which we serve so that we can work holistically with the families who live here while simultaneously investing in infrastructure like affordable housing and childcare.”
Just across the street from Westerly Hills Academy – where FPC has supported the staff and families since 2000 – Freedom Communities has purchased a plot of land dedicated to affordable housing, and the construction of 52 townhomes is scheduled to begin this year. Hannah shared, “Many of the children of the families we serve through our ‘Moms Moving Forward’ program attend school at Westerly Hills Academy.”
This year, on Easter Sunday, the church offering will go to buying down these new townhomes into affordable homeownership, and First Presbyterian will match every dollar given. In a message to the congregation, Hannah exclaimed, “Thanks to you, we’ll be able to further downprice some of these homes to make them even more affordable!” Every $10,000 contributed buys down the cost of a townhome and helps provide an opportunity for a working family to purchase a new affordable home in an area experiencing fast growth and increasing property value.
In a recent sermon, Rev. Pen Peery asked the congregation, “How are we acting out our mission to be for Christ in our city?” One way you can do so is by joining the affordable housing work of First Presbyterian Church by giving generously to this year’s Easter offering.
“I pray this site serves as a beacon of hope for your congregation,” Hannah said. “For what is possible when we can come together as the kingdom of God, and build bridges across our community, and love our neighbor well.”
Update: On Easter Sunday, this congregation not only reached that goal but exceeded it. First Presbyterian Church is thrilled to share that together, we raised an astounding $273,885.53 for affordable housing!