On January 28th, CASA proudly welcomed over 300 guests—including community organizations, donors, city, county, and state officials—to the long-awaited Grand Opening of King’s Ridge. This transformative new property, a vision born more than six years ago from a dedicated group of women volunteering at the Women’s Center, is now a reality. King’s Ridge will provide a safe, supportive home for 100 individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Guests enjoyed food and warm drinks, courtesy of A Place at the Table’s new food truck, The Travelin’ Table. Attendees had the opportunity to connect, tour the building, and engage with more than a dozen community partners who will support future residents.

The event began with a welcome from CASA Board Chair Sharonda Ocean and featured powerful speeches by CASA CEO Everett McElveen, Representative Deborah Ross, Raleigh Mayor Pro Tem Stormie Forte, Morgan Mansa of the Wake County Housing Department, and King’s Ridge visionary Molly Painter. Longtime Board member Rob Griffin concluded the program with heartfelt remarks on behalf of Debra King, CASA’s former CEO, community leader, and the building’s namesake.

After a picture-perfect ribbon cutting, guests explored the many thoughtfully designed spaces within King’s Ridge. These include community areas, exam rooms where healthcare services will be provided by WakeMed, UNC Health, and Duke Health, and a case management wing where Resources for Human Development (RHD) will support residents on-site. Referral partners such as the Women’s Center, The Salvation Army, and Family Promise can meet with clients comfortably and conveniently in one of several office spaces and conference rooms. Visitors also toured the fully furnished residential units, which include essential furniture, home goods, and even stocked pantries—thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors throughout 2024.

The journey to this moment was made possible by six years of dedication from Molly Painter, the community’s visionary. Molly volunteered her time for years to raise construction dollars, make community connections, and help with everything from furniture to wall color. King’s Ridge truly would not exist without her.

We are also incredibly grateful for the efforts of over 300 volunteers who prepared the building in January. King’s Ridge stands as a testament to a community committed to accessibility, inclusivity, and the belief that everyone deserves a home.

As King’s Ridge begins its first year of operation, CASA looks forward to sharing the inspiring stories that emerge from this community. Once fully occupied, King’s Ridge is expected to reduce homelessness in Wake County by 10%. This groundbreaking project was made possible through the generous support of local and state governments, community members, and foundations.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this mission. Together, we are changing lives and building a brighter future for our neighbors. We invite you to continue supporting King’s Ridge by signing up to give monthly here. Just $28 a month is enough to help support our newest residents.Thank you for making a difference in the lives of these Wake County citizens.

For a full list of our King’s Ridge partners, please visit > https://www.casanc.org/properties/kingsridge/partnerships/