Hello Wayne County!

I am Matt Whittle, the new executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Goldsboro-Wayne, and I want to thank you for your support.

Last month I explained a bit about the purpose and mission of Habitat Goldsboro-Wayne. Since then, the need for our organization was highlighted once again by the results of a recently released study finding Goldsboro to be the fifth poorest city in the United States.

Unfortunately, that sobering statistic didn’t come as big surprise as we see the effects every day of a community in which nearly 1 in 4 residents live in poverty, and in which more than 40 percent of renters spend more than 30 percent of their monthly income on housing.

What is fortunate, though, is that with your help we are doing something about that!

Currently we are building our 69th home since 2001. Located at 811 Weaver Drive in Goldsboro, this is our annual InterFaith Build, which is an opportunity for members of Wayne County’s faith community to reach across their varied backgrounds and come together for a common cause.

And really, that’s what Habitat is all about – people coming together, regardless of their faith, politics or doctrine, to give their neighbors a hand up.

We call it “The Theology of the Hammer” and as we start another new year, I’m inspired by the possibilities it represents. I hope you are, too.

Whether you can donate or swing a hammer, join us. Visit our website, www.habitatgoldsboro.org, or call 919-736-9592.