Mary Anne Howard and her husband spent many years working and living in Downtown Raleigh.

When her husband passed in 2019, Mary Anne got connected to Oak City Cares through the architectural firm who renovated our service center. She toured the facility and began supporting our mission to reduce barriers to homeless services. “I think it’s wonderful that we have an organization in the community where we have all different services under one roof.” A few years later, Mary Anne visited our service center again and noticed that the outside of the building did not reflect our work. Within our walls, connections to services are made, dignity is restored, and our neighbors find community. Inspired by our mission, Mary Anne initiated a project so that the landscaping of our service center would match the warmth of the inside. In June, she helped bring together a group of individuals who transformed our grounds. We are grateful for Mary Anne’s heart for our neighbors experiencing homelessness and her incredible generosity. “I’m just appreciative of all the work you all do. That’s why I give.” #endhomelessness #nonprofit #ncnonprofits #celebration #oakcity #wakecounty #wakecountync #raleigh #raleighnc #homelessness #philanthropy #love #care #homelesscare #party #actofkindness #joinus #housingforall #housingishealthcare #bethechange #helpinghands #downtownraleigh #dtr #community