By Jordan Meadows
Staff Writer
In Wake and Johnston Counties, the affordable housing crisis is no longer a looming threat—it’s a daily reality. One in four families in these counties are burdened by housing costs, spending over 30% of their income on shelter. This leaves little room for other essentials like food, education, transportation, and healthcare.
This is where Habitat for Humanity of Wake County (Habitat Wake) steps in. Since its founding in 1985, Habitat Wake has partnered with over 800 families to build homes. What began as a coalition of local churches under the name The Heart of the Carolinas Habitat has evolved into one of the most impactful nonprofit developers in the Triangle region.
Habitat Wake built its first home in 1986 and, within five to seven years, was completing homes in the double digits—eventually building a couple dozen homes each year. The organization’s early success was powered by grassroots support from local organizations, churches, and community leaders.
In the early 2000s, Habitat Wake launched the Home Builders Blitz program, and in 2002, they completed twelve houses in a single week. By the time Brad McHugh joined the team, Habitat had been building at this ambitious pace every year—and more.
“We are kind of a turnkey, all-in-one developer and builder,” said Brad McHugh, Habitat Wake’s Vice President of Construction, who has been with the organization for two decades.
From acquiring land to overseeing home construction, McHugh’s team handles it all. And they’re not just building houses—they’re building entire communities.
Currently, Habitat Wake is developing a large-scale subdivision in Southeast Raleigh at Old Poole Road and New Hope Road, which will include over 100 homes. Another project in Garner, on Gatewood Drive, is expected to bring more than 400 homes to the area.
“Just like any builder or developer out there, we’re always looking for land,” McHugh said. “We actively do work with municipalities, and I think the relationships we’ve built there are strong because they identify the need for more affordable housing.”
These partnerships with local governments are critical but operate differently than traditional, for-profit developers. While private companies often pursue maximum profit, Habitat Wake is a nonprofit focused on serving households earning between 25% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
“The families that come to us may not qualify for typical mortgages on the open market, so they work with us to help finance that,” McHugh explains.
Habitat collaborates with lending institutions and banks to secure low-interest mortgages, ensuring that no family pays more than 30% of their take-home income on housing.
Once land is secured, the organization begins a thorough planning and construction process.
“Once we get under contract and the entity to purchase the land, we do our due diligence to vet the property to see if it makes sense so we can get as much density as possible,” says McHugh. “As a nonprofit, we need to be good stewards of our dollars to get the most out of a parcel of land as possible—providing the most vibrant community possible.”
After that, Habitat Wake works closely with contractors, donors, volunteers, and homebuyers to bring each community to life. Single-family homes typically take 12 to 14 weeks to build, a pace far quicker than the City of Raleigh’s average of 6 to 14 months. Multifamily homes and duplexes can take up to 30 weeks with Habitat Wake—compared to 20 to 30 months under city timelines.
Most of Habitat Wake’s funding comes from private entities and philanthropy, though municipalities do support them in various ways, such as expediting permitting processes, waiving certain fees, or helping identify areas with rapid population growth and low housing supply.
Importantly, Habitat Wake’s support doesn’t end when families move in. The organization offers a one-year warranty and stays in regular contact with homeowners to address any issues and ensure lasting satisfaction.
Beyond building, Habitat Wake also focuses on advocacy and education. Their Advocacy Ambassador program is a grassroots initiative that educates the public, challenges housing stigma, and promotes inclusive, equitable neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the Home Preservation program—which provides critical home repairs—is approaching its 700th completed project.
This year, Habitat Wake is set to reach two major milestones: celebrating 40 years of service and completing its 1,000th home, scheduled for this fall. These aren’t just numbers—they represent 1,000 individuals and families who have found stability, hope, and dignity in a thriving community.
“We are focusing on our nine newest homes that are nearing completion in Garner, Raleigh, and Wake Forest,” McHugh said.
While government agencies and private developers each play a role in housing, Habitat Wake stands apart with its nonprofit model that prioritizes impact over income. The organization remains committed to serving families often excluded from the traditional housing market, while still upholding the highest standards in construction and community development.
