Roanoke, North Carolina, September 5, 2025
News Summary
The Roanoke Island Presbyterian Church (RIPC) has received a grant to create workforce housing in Dare County amid a growing housing crisis. With home prices reaching $622,000 and many essential workers unable to afford housing, the initiative aims to support the community’s teachers, EMTs, and healthcare workers by developing 12 new housing units. Collaborating with the Outer Banks Community Foundation, RIPC’s project seeks to address urgent needs for affordable housing in the area. The development plans include engaging local stakeholders and replicating successful models for other organizations.
Roanoke, North Carolina – The Roanoke Island Presbyterian Church (RIPC) has been awarded a significant grant to create workforce housing in response to the escalating housing crisis in Dare County. This initiative aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing as the community grapples with rising home prices and stagnant wages.
As of 2024, Dare County has been facing a critical shortage of workforce housing, with average home prices soaring to approximately $622,000. Long-term rental rates for two-bedroom homes typically range between $1,800 and $2,000. In contrast, the average median income for a two-person household in the area stands at just $58,750, demonstrating a significant disparity between income levels and housing costs.
Housing insecurity has become a widespread issue affecting crucial sectors within the community, including education, public safety, and healthcare. Statistics from the North Carolina Housing Coalition reveal that 52% of renters and 25% of homeowners in Dare County struggle to afford their current homes. Essential employees, such as teachers and EMTs, are particularly affected, leading to broader implications for local businesses and overall community well-being.
In an effort to tackle these challenges, the Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF) launched a Focus Grant initiative at the end of 2024. This program was designed to address significant community needs, including healthcare, childcare, and affordable housing, offering funding of up to $50,000 for qualifying projects. RIPC collaborated with the Ormond Center at Duke Divinity School to focus on viable housing solutions for the local community.
RIPC’s application for the grant distinguished itself from other submissions due to its potential for creating replicable models for similar organizations. Following extensive engagement with local stakeholders such as town management and housing task force members over the last nine months, RIPC’s proposal was approved for the inaugural Focus Grant. The funding will support the development of 12 workforce housing units on a two-acre property owned by the church.
The initial phase of the project will include conducting a feasibility study, designing site plans, and drafting architectural plans. By focusing on essential workers, RIPC aims to fill gaps in the current housing market specifically for individuals who serve the community, such as teachers and healthcare workers.
The OBCF has expressed appreciation for RIPC’s innovative approach, which aims to inspire other nonprofits and churches to replicate similar initiatives throughout the Outer Banks. As community foundations nationwide increasingly prioritize housing solutions, this project reflects a growing trend of utilizing grants and collaborations to enhance access to affordable housing.
Looking ahead, the OBCF is actively seeking additional grant applications to further support community needs. The next application deadline is set for October 31, 2025, encouraging more organizations to join the effort in addressing housing shortages in Dare County and beyond.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Focus Grant awarded to Roanoke Island Presbyterian Church?
The Focus Grant is intended to support the development of workforce housing for essential workers in Dare County, addressing the shortage of affordable housing in the community.
How many workforce housing units will be developed?
The project aims to develop 12 workforce housing units specifically designed for essential workers.
What challenges does Dare County face regarding housing?
Dare County struggles with rising home prices and rental rates that significantly exceed the median income, leading to a housing crisis that impacts various sectors like schools and public safety.
When is the next application deadline for the Focus Grant?
The next application deadline for the Focus Grant is set for October 31, 2025.
Key Features of the Workforce Housing Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Units | 12 workforce housing units for essential workers |
| Grant Amount | Up to $50,000 from the Focus Grant initiative |
| Property Size | Two acres of land owned by Roanoke Island Presbyterian Church |
| Community Engagement | Involved local stakeholders, housing task force, and town management |
| Future Implications | Project serves as a model for replication by other organizations |
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Additional Resources
- The Coastland Times: Roanoke Island Presbyterian Church Awarded Outer Banks Community Foundation Focus Grant for Workforce Housing Project
- WTKR: Open Houses Begin in Dare County Focused on Workforce Housing in the Outer Banks
- WTKR: New Dare County Workforce Housing Survey Hopes to Hear from Employees Living in the Outer Banks
- Spectrum Local News: ECU Surveys Affordable Housing in Dare
- Google Search: Dare County Housing Crisis
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
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