GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Habitat for Humanity of Goldsboro-Wayne County celebrated a major milestone in its McNair Heights neighborhood project Friday with a ceremonial wall raising, marking the official start of vertical construction on the long-anticipated development.
Community leaders, volunteers, and partners gathered on a cold January morning at the McNair Heights site, a project years in the making. Planning discussions began nearly three years ago, with public engagement and neighborhood collaboration intensifying about 18 months ago. Construction activity became visible last spring with tree clearing, followed by infrastructure improvements, sewer rehabilitation, and foundation work in recent months.
“This is a big moment for us,” Habitat for Humanity Director, Matthew Whittle said, noting that the wall raising symbolizes the transition from planning and preparation to building homes for families.
The McNair Heights development will include 31 single-family homes in its first phase, 25 of which will be Habitat homes. Numerous volunteer groups are already committed to the project, including students from Roger Williams University, West Pharmaceutical Services, NC Sound, Jackson & Sons, local churches, civic organizations, and businesses that will assist in the weeks and months ahead.
The event also served as a kickoff for Habitat for Humanity of Goldsboro-Wayne County’s 25th anniversary. Over the past quarter-century, the organization has built 106 new homes, repaired approximately 75 others, and served more than 200 families through homeownership opportunities, education programs, and community initiatives. This milestone coincides with Habitat for Humanity International’s 50th anniversary, with the shared theme, “Let’s Open the Door.”
Habitat leaders emphasized that the McNair Heights project represents more than housing construction—it is a transformational investment for families and the surrounding community. Families participating in the program complete partnership hours and educational courses focused on financial literacy, budgeting, and home maintenance, helping lay the foundation for long-term stability and opportunity.
The development is supported by a combination of local, state, and federal investments, including funding from the City of Goldsboro, the Golden LEAF Foundation, and the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency.
Organizers encouraged continued community involvement through volunteering, donations, and advocacy, stressing that Habitat does not give homes away but instead opens doors for families to build a better future.
Construction is expected to progress rapidly, with multiple homes taking shape over the coming days and weeks.
