The Moravian Church seeks to rectify its role in creating marginalized communities in W-S

Stakeholders and those with invested interest in The Equitable Homeownership Project came together last week to discuss how the project, being spearheaded by the Moravian Church, is about more than building houses. It’s about addressing the need for affordable housing and moving families out of poverty.  When discussing the project with The Chronicle a few weeks ago, Rev. Russell May, who represents the local Moravian Church, explained that the project was born in response to the Moravian Church’s role in the creation of marginalized communities in Winston-Salem and a course correction by the church.  After conversations between Moravian clergy, community leaders, and several different organizations including the Institute for Dismantling Racism, Action4Equity, Partnership for Prosperity, Simon G. Atkins CDC, Triad Cultural Arts, and Healings Heights, May said they started laying the foundation for the housing initiative with the sole purpose of closing the gap in homeownership and generational wealth, specifically in residents from historically marginalized neighborhoods.  The Equitable Housing Project targets households with less than 80% annual median income. What’s unique about the project is that it brings together every aspect of the home-buying process, from the general contractor, the real estate agent, and the mortgage lenders under one umbrella. ...