The boards of directors of two local chapters of Habitat for Humanity recently voted to proceed with a due diligence process to determine whether a potential merger between the two makes sense.
Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity and Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity both work to serve families by providing affordable homeownership opportunities. Both also offer ReStores that supply gently used and low-cost home goods.
“The potential merger between Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity and Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity looks positive,” said Marlowe Foster, president and CEO of Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity. “If the merger is eventually approved, it could be a significant boost to our collective ability to serve individuals in need of safe and affordable housing.”
Christine Luciano, executive director of Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity, also expressed eagerness about the budding union between the two organizations.
“We are excited about the possibility of serving more families with our combined resources and having an even greater impact on our communities,” Luciano said.
She said the potential merger’s due diligence process involves “essentially gathering documents, reviewing processes and taking a documented ‘look under the hood.’”
The process is scheduled to take until late fall 2026, and some of the documents reviewed will include items such as bylaws, audited financial statements, organizational charts and strategic planning documents, according to Foster.
Both the Cape Fear and Brunswick chapters, however, will continue their normal operations during this process, including homeownership programs, home construction, volunteer engagement, fundraising activities and ReStore operations, according to a news release.
Earlier this year, the Cape Fear chapter announced its acquisition of 30 acres of land near Sidbury Road and Buck Drive – a project that will serve as its first mixed-income development.
“We are anticipating between 150 and 200 units with a mix of single-family homes and townhouses, serving families at all income levels,” Foster said.
Other projects the chapter also has in the works include Haven Place, Legacy Landing II and Burgaw.
The Haven Place project, located off Castle Hayne Road, is now under construction and will consist of 35 single-family homes. Its Burgaw project, near East Coston Road, will provide 15 new single-family homes.
Legacy Landing II is an extension of the organization’s completed Legacy Landing neighborhood by Rockhill Road and will feature seven duplex units to serve 14 families, according to Foster.
Through the organization’s homeownership program, Habitat families put 250 to 400 hours into financial counseling, hands-on home maintenance classes and volunteering at ReStores, according to another news release.
The families also then help to build both their homes and the homes of other Habitat families. Once the 12- to 18-month program is complete, the families pay a low- to no-interest mortgage.
“Habitat homes are sold to program participants who then repay an affordable mortgage, allowing Habitat to reinvest those funds into serving future families,” Foster said.
Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity also offers various other programs, including its Critical Home Repair program, Deconstruction program and Veterans Build program.
Its Critical Home Repair program restores living conditions for low- to middle-income homeowners in the neighborhoods the organization serves. The Veterans Build program supports veterans with affordable homeownership opportunities and other resources.
The Deconstruction program, on the other hand, gives Habitat families a professional team to help remove items like countertops, cabinets and appliances before a remodel. The organization then donates these items to its ReStores to sell at a reasonable price.
Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity also continues to serve families in its area, and it offers three ReStores across the county: one in Leland, one in Southport-Oak Island and one in Ocean Isle Beach.
Luciano offered more insight into how its ReStores operate.
“Dedicated staff, volunteers and donors support our mission by turning donated items into funding for affordable homes,” Luciano said. “People can donate or shop for gently used furniture, appliances and building materials.”
The proceeds from the ReStores, she added, help the Brunswick organization build more homes for local families while keeping usable items out of landfills.
And as for the organization’s homeownership efforts, she highlighted an achievement she’s particularly pleased about.
“We’re most proud of reaching the milestone of 100 homes built for local families and starting our first Habitat subdivision, Fuller Court, in Leland,” she said. “These accomplishments allow us to expand our mission, reach more families and help make Brunswick County a stronger community.”
Foster also expressed satisfaction with his organization’s contributions, pointing out that the Cape Fear chapter’s last fiscal year was one of its best years ever in construction.
Looking ahead, Foster said Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity continues to strengthen its board leadership, focusing on those who live its goal of uniting people to build homes, communities and hope.
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