Our Fall Annual Campaign has begun!

Below is a letter from a Board member of the NC Housing Coalition, Tharesa Lee.

Tears come to my eyes when I think of my mother moving our Carolina Model home from the Long Point Community to Pollocksville after my father died. If any of you remember Carolina Model homes, you know that it was not much good after it got to Pollocksville. Though, it was a roof over our heads and I am thankful for it to this day.

When I see children living in poverty, it brings back those memories. A child is brought into the world not knowing whether he or she is rich or poor, but before they reach their first birthday it is apparent in many cases. Housing is a poverty issue and it tugs at the very heart of so many around the state, including myself. My story is a personal one and so the tears flow just a little bit easier.

Growing up in Jones County in a dilapidated structure was not a pretty picture. But, this experience helped me understand the critical need for safe, decent and affordable housing. North Carolina citizens are some of the most resourceful, giving, and understanding people I know. I’m always amazed how we come together to help one another. Solving the housing crisis is no different. It will take all of us to connect the dots between housing, poverty, and education. One does not work without the other.

That’s why we, at the Neuse River Community Development Corporation, Inc. (NRCDC), are members of the NC Housing Coalition (NCHC). The Coalition works as a statewide network to help overcome barriers to affordable housing. But they can’t do it alone. When Chris Estes, Executive Director of NCHC, heads to the General Assembly or Washington, DC he needs to be able to say that he has the whole state behind him, from Murphy to Manteo. The Neuse River area is behind him 100 percent.

The Coalition is at the forefront of fighting for issues like fair housing and preventing predatory lending. NCHC helps clarify these issues and continues to advocate on behalf of all North Carolina residents. Advocacy is what defines who we are, how we are going to get to where we need to go, and gives the rest of us the guts to carry out the work.

The Coalition provides continuing education on a variety of subjects dealing with housing throughout the state. Recently, we partnered on a Foreclosure Prevention Workshop that not only provided invaluable information but ultimately led to saving the home of a Craven County woman. The mayor of New Bern attended, Mount Olive College was a gracious host and Chick-fil-a served lunch. I simply mention all of these names, because it goes to the heart of the Coalition and NRCDC, partnerships.

Partnerships are how we get our work done and the Coalition understands this. It supports those of us in the trenches and understands what is happening on a grassroots level. I have recently been talking to some other organizations about joining, because we need a united front. The membership is so reasonable and pays for itself quickly. Please become a part of something larger than yourself. Support statewide housing advocacy. Won’t you make an extra effort to join the Coalition this year or make a personal contribution?

Warm Regards,
Tharesa Lee
NCHC board member and Executive Director of the Neuse River CDC

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