Interview with Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity President & CEO, Marlowe Foster

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In this interview, Marlowe Foster, President & CEO of Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, shares how the organization is tackling today’s housing challenges in southeastern North Carolina.

He reflects on Habitat’s growth from building single-family homes to creating larger, mixed-income communities where families thrive together. Marlowe highlights the region’s biggest obstacles — especially the high cost and limited availability of land — and how Habitat is working to compete with private developers while keeping homes affordable.

The conversation also underscores the role of collaboration and policy change. From financial literacy and long-term homeowner support to advocating for infrastructure funding and mortgage assistance, Cape Fear Habitat is building pathways for lasting stability.

Looking ahead, the organization’s new five-year plan sets ambitious goals to build up to 19 homes annually, requiring strong community support for land donations and a robust land acquisition fund.

As Marlowe shares, affordable housing remains one of the region’s top priorities — and Cape Fear Habitat is committed to being at the forefront of solutions that strengthen families and communities across New Hanover, Pender, and Duplin Counties. https://capefearhabitat.org