Letters of Support
August 8, 2022
New Hanover County Workforce Housing Services Program
230 Government Center Drive Wilmington, NC 28403
Re: Cape Fear Habitat Workforce Housing Services Program Proposal
Members of the Workforce Housing Services Review Panel,
This is a letter of support for Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity. We recommend the affiliate
without reservation and are confident in its ability to deliver on its commitments for the
Workforce Housing Services Program.
When evaluating Habitat for Humanity affiliate performance, we examine three characteristics.
Strength of leadership, consistent track record of helping families, and ability to utilize funding
efficiently. Cape Fear Habitat exceeds on these measures.
Leadership at Cape Fear is superlative. The Executive Director, Lauren McKenzie, is a strong
leader who not only provides leadership to her team, but reaches out to assist with affiliates
across the state. In addition, she serves on the board of directors with the Habitat for Humanity
State office.
Of 62 affiliates across the state of North Carolina, Cape Fear ranks #4 in house production over
the past 3 years. This is an outstanding achievement given the size of the affiliate in comparison
to the larger metro affiliates such as Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte and Asheville. In addition, the
affiliate has served 67 families with their home repair program.
Finally, Cape Fear Habitat is very efficient with funding, maintaining a Guide Star Platinum
rating for visibility and transparency in their financial accounting which has led to consistent
funding from federal, state and private funding sources.
I highly recommend Cape Fear Habitat for Workforce Housing Services Program funding.
Mitch Rhodes,
Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity North Carolina