In 2006, Cele Bryant and Beth Whitman launched a grassroots letter-writing campaign as Thanksgiving approached. They reached out to friends and family, inviting them to consider contributing $1,000 to help build a Habitat for Humanity home for Jewel Melton. Fast forward 20 years, and they are reviving this initiative. So far, they have successfully raised $37,000 for the project. This "Friends House 2.0" will be the first home built in Sandhills Station, and their efforts are inspiring others to gather their own friends and family to support similar causes, following in the footsteps of Cele and Beth. 

"We are amazed that our first HABITAT FRIENDS HOUSE was built in 2007. Over the years, we have thought of it fondly and are thankful for the many friends who helped make it happen, especially our super contributor."
- Beth Whitman and Cele Bryant

Join Cele and Beth in building a legacy of hope—rally your circle of friends and family, and be part of the next "Friends House." Together, we can build more than homes—we can build community. Donate or start your own giving circle today!

The impact of Habitat for Humanity is profoundly felt in the Sandhills, supported by a strong network of advocates whose commitment spans generations. One local family, the Smith Family, has made an extraordinary pledge to sponsor an entire home, demonstrating their dedication to the community. The daughter, now living in Raleigh, reminisces fondly about her childhood in Moore County, which she recalls as an extraordinary place filled with vibrant experiences. Inspired by her cherished memories, she has also decided to contribute to the fund. Together, the family's generous donations will "raise the roof" for a future homebuyer and embody the spirit of goodwill that comes from helping others.

"Supporting Habitat for Humanity has been a long-term passion for our family. It’s a joy for our family be able to support making housing more accessible and affordable for more members of our community. "
- Marshall and Kersey Smith, Courtenay Smith, Catharine and Ken Shranko.

Moore County is home to many wonderful neighborhoods filled with families who understand the importance of affordable housing for our workforce. In 2013, neighbors in Pinewild, led by Tim Moore, came together to launch a successful campaign that raised over $85,000. The following year, volunteers, Habitat staff, and the Zamora family collaborated to build a home in Midway Garden, which the family was able to purchase with an affordable mortgage. Peer-to-peer fundraising is an effective model for local communities looking to engage their neighborhoods, civic clubs, or associations.

When our neighbors in Pinewild came together back in 2013, we weren’t sure what to expect—just that we believed everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. The experience of raising funds and then helping build the Zamora family's home brought our community closer together in a way I’ll never forget. We saw firsthand the power of neighbors helping neighbors. Habitat for Humanity gave us the structure, but we brought the heart. I encourage any neighborhood to step up. You don’t have to be a builder—you just have to care."
— Tim Moore, Pinewild Resident & Neighborhood Build Leader

Now it's your turn. Imagine what your neighborhood could do. Whether it’s raising funds, swinging hammers, or sharing the mission, you can help build a future for families right here in Moore County. Start a campaign, rally your community, and be the reason a family has a place to call home. Contact us today to learn how to launch your own neighborhood build effort.