Orange Habitat launches Pope Leo Village with kickoff celebration
On Saturday, September 12, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, NC, officially launched Pope Leo Village at Weavers Grove.
During the kickoff lunch and celebration, we enjoyed a beautiful performance from the St. Thomas More Catholic School choir, heard from Habitat homeowner Jasmine about her path to owning a home at Weavers Grove, and raised walls with volunteers from across the community. Vicar General from the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, Father Michael Burbeck, also shared a blessing for the project.
Orange Habitat Vice President of Development Shanell Smaw spoke about how the power of Pope Leo Village lies in the relationships it’s built on – and those that will form as a result of the project.
“Together, we will build eight homes as part of more than 255 Pope Leo Village homes being built across the country,” Shanell shared. “And while these homes will be built with hammers, nails, sweat, and hard work, this initiative is really being built on something even more powerful: connection. Connection between generations. Connection between faith communities. Connection between neighbors. Connection between people who may have never met before but who share a belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to have a place to call home.”
Homeowner Jasmine (left) and Father Michael from the Archdiocese of Raleigh (right) speaking during the Pope Leo Village Kickoff Lunch and Celebration.
Pope Leo Village is a national initiative made possible by an anonymous donor inspired by Pope Leo’s vision of community, service, and shared humanity. Orange Habitat is one of 20 affiliates selected to participate alongside affiliates in Greater Raleigh, Chicago, Cincinnati, Omaha, San Antonio, Philadelphia, Portland, Saint Louis, Milwaukee, and more.
Here in Orange County, Pope Leo Village is helping fund the construction of eight townhomes within our Weavers Grove neighborhood. The project aims to unite people from all walks of life in philanthropy and volunteering.
Volunteers at work during the Pope Leo Village kickoff event.
Over the coming months, you’ll be able to get involved through Pope Leo Village volunteer days, and from now through October, any gift made to our Pope Leo Village project will be matched — up to $25,000!
Get involved at orangehabitat.org/pope-leo-village.