Habitat for Humanity of Wake County expands into Franklin County, changes name

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Habitat for Humanity of Wake County is now Habitat for Humanity Greater Raleigh to recognize its expansion into another central North Carolina county, the organization said Monday.

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The affordable housing nonprofit has expanded into Franklin County, which was not being served by a Habitat affiliate before. Staff are engaging with local officials and community leaders to address housing needs and create partnerships in the area, according to the organization.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Raleigh, which has served Wake County since being founded in 1985, previously expanded into Johnston County in 2018.

According to the organization, one in four families in Wake, Johnston, and Franklin counties are forced to pay for housing at the expense of other necessities, including groceries, healthcare, and education.

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In Franklin County, according to the organization, 55% of renters have difficulty affording their homes. The fair market rent for a two-bedroom home is around $1,750.

“We have celebrated some incredible milestones over the past year including our 40th anniversary and the construction of our 1,000th home in Garner,” Habitat for Humanity Greater Raleigh CEO Patricia Burch said in a statement.

“As we step into an exciting new chapter in Franklin County, we are more committed than ever that families across the region have opportunity to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership,” Burch continued in her statement. “With a new name and a focus on our mission, our impact will be even greater.”

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