Roanoke Island, September 6, 2025
News Summary
Roanoke Island faces a housing crisis significantly impacting its local workforce. The Roanoke Island Presbyterian Church plans to develop 12 housing units on its property, aided by a $50,000 grant. This effort responds to soaring housing prices and aims to support essential workers in the community. However, broader housing needs in Dare County remain as high as 2,500 units, highlighting the challenges ahead. The initiative seeks to inspire similar actions among other organizations as Roanoke Island plans for a development plan by 2026.
Roanoke Island is grappling with a significant housing crisis, particularly impacting its local workforce, as the Roanoke Island Presbyterian Church (RIPC) takes steps to address the issue by potentially developing workforce housing on land it owns adjacent to the church. The church’s pastor, Michelle Lewis, described housing prices in the area as “astronomical,” making it increasingly difficult for workers to find affordable living options.
RIPC has served the Outer Banks community for over 30 years and is now reevaluating its property to better serve local needs. Church members recently engaged in a program at the Ormond Center at Duke Divinity School, which underscored the pressing need for workforce housing. David Guiley, the clerk of session at RIPC, articulated the church’s desire to repurpose its property for the benefit of the community.
The organization’s plan includes constructing 12 housing units designed specifically for local workforce members struggling with housing accessibility. To support this initiative, RIPC has been awarded a $50,000 Focus Grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation. This financial boost will enable the church to work with professionals, including engineers and architects, to devise a comprehensive development plan.
While the proposed 12 units aim to alleviate some housing shortages, Guiley recognizes that this effort falls short of the broader community’s housing needs. According to the Dare County Board Chairman, Bob Woodard, the county currently faces an estimated shortfall of 2,500 housing units. Efforts to develop more housing have encountered hurdles, including local municipality rejections of various plans for workforce housing.
Citing specific examples, Woodard noted that towns like Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Manteo have faced challenges with existing housing proposals due to community opposition and regulatory barriers. The county has endeavored to allocate $9 million for housing solutions, supported by $35 million from the state legislature for construction assistance.
In addition to the church’s efforts, an array of private developers are attempting to address the affordable housing crisis, with results varying from community acceptance to outright opposition. The pervasive NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) mentality continues to be a challenge, as local residents often prioritize the preservation of community character over new developments.
Within the context of this housing crisis, various approved projects have yielded limited progress, particularly for essential workers such as teachers and staff. Contributing to the complexity of the housing problem are the unique geographical and economic characteristics of the Outer Banks, where tourism dominates. Furthermore, approximately 85% of land in Dare County is government-owned, significantly limiting available sites for potential housing developments.
As the situation develops, RIPC’s initiative seeks to not only provide immediate solutions but also inspire other faith-based organizations and nonprofits to engage proactively in the community’s housing struggle. The church’s commitment to addressing this crisis is rooted in its faith and a dedication to community support.
A detailed development plan is projected to emerge by the beginning of 2026, marking a critical next step in RIPC’s mission to contribute to tackling the housing deficit in Roanoke Island and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problem is Roanoke Island facing?
Roanoke Island is experiencing a housing crisis, particularly affecting its local workforce, with housing prices described as “astronomical.”
How is the Roanoke Island Presbyterian Church addressing this issue?
The church plans to develop 12 housing units for local workforce members on their property, aided by a $50,000 grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation.
What are the broader housing needs in Dare County?
Dare County requires an estimated 2,500 additional housing units to address the ongoing shortage.
What challenges are faced in the pursuit of new housing developments?
Efforts toward essential workforce housing have faced obstacles, including rejections of development plans by local municipalities and community opposition fueled by NIMBY sentiments.
What is the timeline for the church’s housing development plan?
A development plan is expected to be developed by the beginning of 2026.
Key Features of the Housing Crisis in Roanoke Island
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Housing Shortage | 2,500 additional housing units needed in Dare County |
| RIPC’s Response | 12 housing units planned for local workforce |
| Financial Support | $50,000 Focus Grant from Outer Banks Community Foundation |
| Challenges Faced | Rejections of housing proposals and community opposition |
| Timeline for Development Plan | Development plan expected by early 2026 |
| Geographical Constraints | 85% of land in Dare County is government-owned |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WTKR: Grant Helps Boost Manteo Church’s Plans for Workforce Housing Development
- The Coastland Times: The State of Housing on the Outer Banks Part Two
- Port City Daily: Inclusionary Zoning to Tackle Affordable Housing
- WAVY: OBX Residents Struggle to Find Housing
- The Coastland Times: Op-Ed: A Main Street for the Outer Banks
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Google Search: Housing Crisis News
- Google Scholar: Workforce Housing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Real Estate
- Google News: Housing Developments
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
