Habitat for Humanity of Craven County welcomes new homeowners over holiday season
PRESS RELEASE: New Bern, NC
For Immediate Release: December 23, 2025
Habitat for Humanity of Craven County welcomes new homeowners over holiday season
“Home for the Holidays” took on a whole new meaning for two New Bern families last week as they became homeowners just in time for Christmas.
Habitat for Humanity of Craven County (HFHCC) held home dedications for the new projects, which are both located in New Bern’s Pembroke community. On December 18, HFHCC welcomed the Murray family to their new residence at 2308 Aycock Avenue. The following day, the Molden family got the keys to their new Habitat home at 2602 Aycock Avenue.
Ms. Molden said the dedication was a holiday dream come true.
“It was a long process, it wasn’t easy at times, but I’m here,” she said. “Stability and peace is what I’m looking forward to in my new home.”
The lots for both Aycock Avenue projects were donated by the City of New Bern and Craven County. The Murray family’s home was made possible through a partnership between HFHCC, the Rotary Club of New Bern and the New Bern Breakfast Rotary Club. For the Molden home, HFHCC worked with Publix Super Market Charities. The three partners provided critical financial support and volunteer labor for these affordable housing projects.
The homes mark the ninth and tenth units HFHCC has constructed in the Pembroke community.
HFHCC Executive Director Tracey Lilly noted that Habitat requires potential homeowners to complete 300 hours of sweat equity, which includes participating in the building of their own home and other Habitat homes, completing financial literacy classes around homeownership, and volunteering in the Habitat ReStore and for other not-for-profit organizations.
“These projects started a while ago, and today we’re pleased to celebrate this accomplishment of home ownership,” Lilly said.
Habitat for Humanity of Craven County was established in 1989 as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a non-profit Christian housing ministry. Over the last 35 years, HFHCC has helped build homes for more than 80 local residents, providing safe and stable living environments for adults and their children.
To learn more, visit www.cravencountyhabitat.org.