Empowering Dreams, Building Communities: James Watson's Journey
By: Kevin Campbell, Executive Director
Witnessing James Watson's journey has been a profound testament to the impact Raleigh Area Land Trust (RALT) has on affordable housing. As the Executive Director of RALT, I've had the privilege of seeing firsthand how our organization transforms lives, making homeownership dreams a reality.
James's story resonates deeply with me. As a military veteran and lifelong resident of Raleigh, his struggle with the idea of homeownership mirrors the challenges many people in our community face. For years, James grappled with the daunting reality of rising housing costs and the seemingly unattainable dream of owning a home.
However, through RALT's mission of creating permanently affordable housing for low-to-moderate-income individuals, James found a home. Guided by principles of anti-displacement and racial justice, we at RALT are dedicated to stabilizing neighborhoods and providing greater access to housing opportunities, particularly for BIPOC communities.
Seeing James find his place in a home of his own has been incredibly rewarding. His journey highlights the transformative power of our shared equity model, which ensures that homes remain affordable for generations to come. "This has been a dream come true for me," James often reflects, a sentiment that fills me with pride as I witness the impact of our work.
James' experience underscores the importance of community-driven solutions in addressing the affordable housing crisis. Through partnerships with organizations like Pinnacle Financial Partners and DHIC, Inc., we're able to provide comprehensive support to individuals like James throughout their home buying journey.
As I reflect on James's journey, I'm reminded of the profound impact we can have when we come together as a community.
I’m not new to the impacts that access to affordable housing can provide for people. Since 1988, I’ve dedicated my life to helping families attain or sustain homeownership, giving over 2600+ families a place to call their own most recently as the Managing Director of the Puerto Rico Recovery Program and previously as the President/CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Wake County. Now, serving as RALT’s Executive Director, I know our non-profit work will leave an indelible mark in providing individuals and families with the opportunity to purchase their first home while also protecting the affordability of Wake County’s neighborhoods.
James' story serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring us to continue our mission of empowering individuals and building vibrant, resilient communities where homeownership is within reach for all.