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Habitat Cabarrus: The Ripple Effect of Affordable Homeownership
By Cindy Stone and Avalin Inman
The Cabarrus County community is built on connection, resilience, and a shared commitment to making life better for everyone who calls it home. One organization that embodies these values and plays a vital role in ensuring that more individuals and families have a place to call their own is Habitat for Humanity of Cabarrus County. Through their tireless efforts in building affordable homes, fostering financial stability, and strengthening neighborhoods, Habitat Cabarrus is one of the many forces that makes Cabarrus County so great.
Building a Stronger Community
Since its founding in 1986, Habitat Cabarrus has been dedicated to providing safe, decent, and affordable housing to families in need. However, the organization does far more than construct homes—it builds communities, strengthens families, and offers a path to stability and self-reliance.
Erica Vaughan, Executive Director of Habitat Cabarrus, emphasizes the organization’s mission and the impact it has on the community: “Everybody thinks, ‘Oh gosh, you gave them a house.’ But we don’t give. We give a hand up, not a handout. Our program educates homeowners on everything from paying their taxes to the importance of home insurance, things they may have never had before. They also commit to 250 hours of sweat equity, which includes volunteering at places like food pantries, the ReStore, and even helping others build their homes. It’s an empowering process.”
Through partnerships with local businesses, faith communities, and volunteers, Habitat Cabarrus makes homeownership possible for hardworking individuals and families who might otherwise struggle to afford a stable place to live.
Directly Impacting Local Families
Owning a home is about more than just having a roof over one’s head. It’s about security, stability, and the opportunity to build a future. According to Habitat for Humanity, studies have shown that children who grow up in stable homes perform better in school, have higher self-esteem, and are more likely to participate in extracurricular activities.
As Vaughan explains, “It’s emotional when you see these kids come in. They feel like they have to pack up and leave because this is the nicest place they’ve ever been. They feel like they’re on vacation, and they have to leave. But no, this is their home. And because of this, their grades improve, their attendance improves, and they start seeing possibilities they didn’t before.”
Beyond the direct impact on families, Habitat Cabarrus helps to create stronger, more connected neighborhoods. Homeowners become invested in their communities, support one another, and work toward a shared vision of success.
The ReStore: Sustainability Meets Community Support
One of the most innovative and impactful aspects of Habitat Cabarrus’s work is its ReStore—a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials. Located at 2902 S. Cannon Boulevard in Kannapolis, proceeds from the ReStore helps fund home construction and repair projects, making it an essential part of the organization’s funding model.
Vaughan has worked to revitalize the ReStore by implementing retail strategies, online sales, and community-driven promotions: “We’ve started online sales at the ReStore, which has not only increased revenue but also driven more foot traffic to the store. When people come in, they shop and spend more money, which ultimately helps us fund more homes.”
Additionally, the ReStore supports families in crisis by offering furniture and home essentials through a voucher system, helping those who have experienced disasters or hardships rebuild their lives.
Collaboration and Community Impact
A key factor in Habitat Cabarrus’s success is its deep-rooted collaboration with other community organizations. By working alongside partners like Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM) and Prosperity Unlimited, Habitat ensures that families not only achieve homeownership but also receive the necessary financial education and support to maintain long-term stability.
Willmarie Austin, Director of Development at Habitat Cabarrus, highlights the importance of transparency and impact: “One of the things that makes Habitat Cabarrus unique is that we can show exactly where every single cent goes. If you donate $50, you can see the tangible results of that contribution in the homes we build. People can touch, see, and experience the impact of their generosity firsthand.”
By working with organizations that specialize in financial literacy, workforce development, and emergency assistance, Habitat Cabarrus maximizes its impact without duplicating services—an approach that enhances efficiency and community-wide outcomes.
Cam Cruickshank, Ph.D., President & CEO of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation, underscores Habitat’s contribution to the community, stating that “Habitat for Humanity of Cabarrus County is a cornerstone of community development and stability. Their work aligns perfectly with our mission to invest in initiatives that uplift families and strengthen the region. Their efforts to provide affordable homeownership opportunities contribute significantly to making Cabarrus County a great place to live.”
How You Can Get Involved
The work of Habitat Cabarrus is only possible because of the generous contributions of volunteers, donors, and community partners. Whether it’s swinging a hammer, sorting donations at the ReStore, or making a financial gift, every effort counts.
Vaughan encourages community members to act, “Donor engagement and community awareness are key to our growth. Workforce housing is essential because everyone deserves a decent place to live. We rely on local support to keep building homes and changing lives.”
With the rising costs of construction – homes that once cost $80,000 to build now exceed $150,000 – community contributions are more important than ever. Every dollar donated and every hour volunteered helps to build stronger families and a stronger Cabarrus County.
A Future Built on Hope
At its core, Habitat for Humanity of Cabarrus County represents hope—the hope of a better future, a stronger community, and the belief that every family deserves a place to call home. Through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment, Habitat Cabarrus continues to make a lasting impact, one home at a time.
As we celebrate what makes Cabarrus County great, Habitat Cabarrus stands as a shining example of what is possible when a community comes together with a shared vision of prosperity for all.
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