A voice to be heard and a story to be told

Last Wednesday, the NC Housing Coalition headed to the heart of Harnett County, Lillington, North Carolina. We were on a mission to resume the Postcard Project, an ongoing initiative to convince our legislators that the NC Housing Trust Fund needs a dedicated revenue source. We believe that our legislators need to hear from those who have a safe, affordable place to call their own because of the NC Housing Trust Fund, so we went to Fairview Pointe and Fairview Manor, two housing developments built by money from the NC Housing Trust Fund.

As we approached Fairview Pointe and Fairview Manor, we were immediately taken aback by the beautiful buildings and peaceful atmosphere and could not help but notice the camaraderie among residents. At Fairview Manor, seniors gathered in the lobby to socialize and read newspapers, while children at Fairview Pointe rode bikes with their friends on the sidewalks.

The high temperatures did not stop residents from coming outside to get their pictures taken for the postcards. Not long after we set up our equipment, residents began asking questions and wanting to learn more about our project. They joined us for snacks while filling out postcards to send to Rep. David Lewis, Rep. Mike Stone, Sen. Harris Blake, Sen. Fletcher Hartsell, Sen. Bill Rabon, Sen. Bob Rucho, Sen. Tom Apodaca, and Sen. Kathy Harrington.

From single-parent families to individuals with disabilities to survivors of domestic violence, the residents of Fairview Pointe and Fairview Manor were eager to share their stories with us so that their voices could be heard by legislators. Some residents wanted to tell their legislators how they found themselves at Fairview Pointe and Fairview Manor:

"I went through domestic violence. During that emotional time, the NC Housing Trust Fund really is greatly appreciated. I am a single parent, and I am thankful for all that they do."

"I need affordable housing because I was displaced by Hurricane Katrina."

"Hopefully one day, homeless people can get off the streets, like I was at one time."

Other residents showed appreciation for the housing that they have in an effort to convince the legislators that North Carolina needs more affordable housing:

"Me and my daughter love living here. It is a very nice place to live. It is clean and safe."

"I really appreciate that people on a fixed income can find affordable, quality housing due to this trust fund."

"The affordability of nice, low-income housing is the best thing that has happened in this section of Harnett County."

Every resident's voice deserves to be heard, especially by the legislators, who are the ones that make decisions about the revenue source of the NC Housing Trust Fund. In addition, every resident's story deserves to be told. We are glad that the Postcard Project serves as a means to do both.

Check out these pictures of the residents in front of their homes, which were built by money from the NC Housing Trust Fund!