Habitat for Humanity of Durham Launched Inaugural Pillars of Promise Gala as Kickoff to 40th Anniversary

December 8, 2025

Durham, N.C. – Earlier this week, Habitat for Humanity of Durham hosted its inaugural Pillars of Promise Gala, welcoming nearly 300 guests for an intimate evening of celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to housing justice in Durham. The event served as the official kickoff to the organization’s upcoming 40th anniversary year.

Guests enjoyed dinner, dancing, and a powerful highlight reel showcasing the impact of Habitat for Humanity of Durham over four decades—nearly 500 homes built and almost 1,000 repairs completed in partnership with local families. Attendees also heard remarks from local elected officials and Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, underscoring the importance of affordable, stable housing in the Durham community.

Habitat for Humanity of Durham President Nimasheena Burns used the evening to cast a bold, soulful vision for the future and to reintroduce the organization to the community. Highlight Reel

“Our families are not the working poor — they are working to wealth,” President Burns shared. “They want to do the same thing everyone in this room is doing, and that is go home at night. I envision a Durham where children get to go to bed in the same bed each night, with a place to study and a dinner table to sit around. We move forward by building for families with love, dignity, respect, and stability.”

Burns continued with a powerful call to action:

“We refuse to accept instability as the story for our neighbors. Together, we are building a Durham where home is not a privilege for a few, but a foundation for all — a place where families can rest, dream, and rise.”

The evening also honored key partners and champions with the Pillars of Promise Awards:

• Lifetime Legacy Awardees: Gene Carlone and Jane Williams
• Community Partner Awards: Durham Housing Authority and Duke Community Affairs
• Unsung Hero Awards: William Everhart, Director of Repairs, and Charisse Stevens, Homeowner Services Manager

Habitat for Humanity of Durham extended heartfelt thanks to Presenting Sponsor Duke Energy and Indira Everett, who brought warm and inspiring greetings on behalf of the company.

The Pillars of Promise Gala will continue as an ongoing annual event to support the work of Habitat for Humanity of Durham, fueling efforts to provide safe, stable, and affordable housing for families across the city.

Review Program Here: and Photos: Habitat for Humanity Durham Gala 12042025 – Google Photos

Message from Congresswoman Foushee: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2g3e1yzl6kmv0tvhcv02t/Rep.-Foushee-Video-Remarks-for-Habitat-for-Humanity-of-Durham.mp4?rlkey=fjknfa7za7qr2qk5n28cm35l6&e=1&st=wyjkz8ki&bmus=1&dl=0

“As we enter our 40th year, this is more than an anniversary or a kickoff,” said Burns. “It’s a recommitment to building a Durham where every family has the stability of home, the dignity of ownership, and the promise of a better tomorrow.”

About Habitat for Humanity of Durham

Habitat for Humanity of Durham is a nonprofit Christian based housing ministry that partners with families, volunteers, and community supporters to build and preserve affordable homes. Over the past 40 years, Durham Habitat has helped create nearly 500 homes and completed close to 1,000 repairs, working toward a community where everyone has a decent place to live. They do so at zero percent interest.

To apply for homeownership or repairs, donate, or volunteer, please visit durhamhabitat.org.