Housing for New Hope2025 Annual Breakfast Recap – Strengthening Our Foundations for the Future
At our 2025 Annual Breakfast, more than 200 community members, elected officials, and key stakeholders came together to affirm a shared commitment: Everyone in our community deserves safe, stable housing and a path forward.
This year’s theme, “Strengthening Our Foundations for the Future,” spoke not only to the legacy of Housing for New Hope but also to the bold vision we’re embracing for the years ahead.
We shared our recently released 2025 State of Housing Affordability and Homelessness report, which shows a rare decline in homelessness numbers. What rings very true for us as an agency are three numbers in particular that illustrate how our most vulnerable neighbors continue to face deep and complex barriers:
- 20% of unsheltered individuals are reporting serious mental illness
- 29% of unsheltered individuals are reporting substance use disorder
- 16% increase in the number of people experiencing chronic homelessness
Executive Director Russ Pierce shared a glimpse into our evolving 7-year strategic vision, which includes major investments in supportive housing, like the upcoming renovation of Carver Creek Apartments and expansion planning for our downtown supportive housing site. These efforts reflect a shift as we pivot away from street outreach and double down on what we do best—supportive housing solutions.
We were honored with remarks from U.S. Congresswoman Valerie Foushee and joined by Senator Natalie Murdock, Representative Vernetta Alston, and Triangle Community Foundation President Lori O’Keefe—each bringing their unique insight into the intersections of housing, policy, and philanthropy.
And the support from our community was nothing short of inspiring!
Thanks to the generosity of the Jenny Semans Koortbojian Trust and ten other incredible supporters, we not only met—but exceeded—a $60,000 match challenge, raising over $120,000! But our work and the need continues.
To fully fund the essential, unrestricted support that powers our programs and services, we still need your help. Every dollar makes a difference in helping our neighbors move from homelessness to home and strengthens the foundation for a more hopeful future for all.
Let’s keep the momentum going. Please make your gift today.
