The Nations Ministry Center provides legal immigration services to refugees including citizenship application filings, housing and literacy/education assistance. The Lowe’s Hometowns grant will fund the installation of a new kitchen at the center, including floors, cabinets, countertops, lighting and more.

The Mortensen Elementary library and educators lounge have not been updated in 23 years. New bookshelves, tables, chairs and couches will creative an inviting area for the students to foster a love for reading. Fresh paint, warm lighting, updated décor and organization in the kitchen area of the lounge will create an inviting area for teachers to relax after hours of teaching

FeedNC is fighting food insecurity through programs aimed to help those in need access healthy food, education, and connections. With the Lowe’s Hometowns grant, FeedNC and Lowe’s will build 9 raised garden beds, plant 125 pollinators, build 2 garden arches, install a rose trellis, assemble 3 garden carts, install 2 scarecrows, assemble 2 veggie washing stations, install a bird bath and stain/seal the picnic area on a plot of land known as Mimi’s garden.

The Metropolitan Ministries MiraclePlace Emergency Shelter supports families in need of housing. With 50 1 bedroom/1 bathroom units and no common space, the facility does not function well for families. The community room will be transformed from a storage room to a multi-purpose space where staff can facilitate self-sufficiency trainings, adults can use computers to develop resumes, apply for jobs, and complete GED or certificate course requirements, teens and children can complete homework assignments and families can spend time together.

Maybeury Elementary Learning Garden wants to improve children's diets through exposure to fresh produce and nutrition education. In partnership with Fit4Kids, this outdoor learning space would be a place where students can blossom. Raised garden beds, a new fence, shade structures and a pavilion for lessons will be added. Irrigation, fruit trees, trash receptacles and native plants all play a role in the learning that will take place in this beautiful backdrop.

Over the past twenty years, Mackida Loveal & Trip Mentoring Outreach has helped hundreds of youth learn anger management skills, social skills, communication skills, independent life skills, and self-regulation strategies in addition to furthering their education and where needed, provided housing and employment services. With the Lowe’s Hometowns grant, Mackida will renovate their facility both inside and out.

With the Lowe’s Hometowns grant, the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center will upgrade their outdoor recreation areas to make them safer and more ADA accessible. Work will involve removing wood ground cover and adding rubberized surfacing to two existing play spaces, installing border edging and a new play structure will be purchased and installed.

Amidst a critical housing crisis coupled with an opioid crisis, Lighthouse Recovery’s residences provide safe, affordable housing for those lacking resources or support networks. The Lowe’s Hometowns project includes both interior and exterior work including new energy efficient windows, siding, garage doors, landscaping, and bathroom updates as well as flooring and some kitchen work. These major upgrades would provide safe, affordable housing when it is needed most.

The Jefferson Elementary School’s outdoor space has become completely run down. The elementary school will repaint the blacktop with games and artwork that bring color and fun to the students’ day. In addition they will plant trees, add new playground equipment and murals that showcase the culture of Mount Vernon to lift spirits and make this school feel like a wonderful place to belong.

The Jamison Children’s Center is a safe space for victims of violence, neglect, exploitation, physical, and sexual abuse. The Lowe’s Hometowns grant will be used to install a shade structure over the basketball court and outdoor area at the center, which is often too hot to play on in the summer months. It will also allow other outside activities to be held for the children at the center, such as an ice cream social, arts and crafts, birthday parties, and more.