We’re honored to announce the launch of Pope Leo Village, an initiative made possible by an anonymous donor inspired by Pope Leo’s vision of community, service, and shared humanity. This generous contribution will help fund the construction of eight new townhomes within the Weavers Grove neighborhood in Chapel Hill.

“In that service to others we may find that coming together in friendship, building up community, we too can find true meaning in our lives.” – Pope Leo XIV

Orange Habitat is one of 20 Habitat affiliates selected to participate in this national initiative, including affiliates in Greater Raleigh, Chicago, Greater Cincinnati, Omaha, San Antonio, Philadelphia, Portland, Saint Louis, Milwaukee, and more.

Construction of the first three townhomes is slated to begin in June, and we expect to break ground on the remaining five townhomes in September. The completed homes will be purchased by people working and living in Orange County who go through Orange Habitat’s homeownership program, providing long-term stability and the life-changing benefits of affordable homeownership.

The Pope Leo Village project also aims to inspire new and increased philanthropic investment in affordable housing and draw young people into meaningful, hands-on service. In that spirit, Orange Habitat will be actively engaging student volunteers from UNC-Chapel Hill and local high schools as well as volunteers from local faith communities.

“We are deeply grateful for this gift and the vision behind it. Pope Leo’s call to service speaks directly to what we do every day: building homes, building community, and building hope. This project gives us a wonderful opportunity to deepen that work in Weavers Grove while rallying our broader community around a shared purpose. We’re particularly excited to engage local young people and faith communities as we bring Pope Leo Village to life.” – Jennifer Player, President and CEO, Orange Habitat

About Weavers Grove
Weavers Grove is a mixed-income community in northern Chapel Hill that, when complete, will feature more than 225 single family homes, townhomes, duplexes, and condos. 102 of those will be Habitat homes, and the remaining market-rate homes offer opportunities for Chapel Hill homebuyers at prices lower than our area’s median home price. Learn more at weaversgrove.org.

About Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, NC
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, NC (Orange Habitat) brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Through volunteer labor and community partnerships, Orange Habitat works to ensure everyone has a decent place to live. Orange Habitat builds new homes sold through low-interest mortgages and monthly payments set at 30% or less of a household’s income and conducts critical repairs for local homeowners to keep people in existing homes. Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, NC is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a global nonprofit housing organization. 

To learn more and to support the Pope Leo Village project, visit orangehabitat.org/pope-leo-village.