Our Future

Cary is thriving — but rising costs are pushing working families out of the community they serve. Teachers, healthcare workers, skilled tradespeople — many can’t afford to live where they work. But our community has a plan— a thoughtful, strategic collaboration is coming to life in Cary.

Greenwood Forest Baptist Church, DHIC, The Carying Place, The Y, and Town of Cary

The Carr Center

A Hub for Housing, Hope & Economic Mobility
A Visionary Partnership Rooted in Cary

The Carr Center will provide housing, childcare, financial literacy education, and family services — all on a single, purpose-driven campus. The Carr Center offers:

11 transitional housing units for homeless working families with children
51 affordable rental units managed by DHIC for residents at or below 60%
Full-day childcare provided by GFBC Childcare Center and the YMCA

Offices and program space for TCP’s coaching and support services
Outdoor community gathering areas

Ideally located on the grounds of Greenwood Forest Baptist Church, 110 SE Maynard Rd., in Cary, the center features easy access to grocery stores, public transportation, and employment opportunities. In addition, the Town of Cary has designated adjacent land for future affordable homeownership.

Together, this creates a coordinated ecosystem for economic advancement — not just shelter, but a path forward.

Rendering of Carr Building — *Early building rendering, not an actual photo

The Carying Place: More Than Housing

With over 30 years of service in Cary, The Carying Place (TCP) equips working families facing homelessness with tools to regain independence and build lasting financial stability.

Our Proven Model Includes:

Short term housing
Weekly financial coaching & accountability
Budgeting, savings, and credit education
Support for employment, childcare, and housing readiness
Partnerships for workforce development and long-term success

Over 80% of program graduates are stably housed one year after graduation

Our Capital Campaign Goal: $9 Million

To bring this The Carr Center to life, TCP is raising $9 million to:

✔ Build 11 transitional housing units
✔ Fund expanded operations to serve more families
✔ Construct new offices for The Carying Place on-site

Read Our Case for Support

📈Why It Matters Now

As Cary thrives, the people who keep it running are being pushed farther away. Teachers, healthcare workers, and tradespeople — the backbone of our community — are finding it harder to live here.

💡 The Carr Center offers housing + tools for progress in a stable, supportive setting.

It’s a smart investment in Cary’s future:
✅ Strategic land use
✅ Long-term economic outcomes
✅ A stronger, more sustainable local workforce

Read the latest in the N&O:

Affordable housing set for Cary church property will change lives, mayor says
April 28, 2025

How You Can Help

We invite support from philanthropic families, corporate leaders, and institutional funders who value lasting, local impact. Join us in creating this mixed-use center for affordable housing, early childhood education, and empowerment of working families with children.

Your investment will:

Provide bridge housing & financial coaching for working families
Equip families for long-term financial success
Establish a powerful model of public-private partnership

Let’s Build It Together

We’re excited to share more with you, and we’d love to connect. Please reach out to Leslie Covington, Executive Director, at leslie.covington@thecaryingplace.org or Laura Grelck, Development Director, laura.grelck@thecaryingplace.org to learn more, tour the site, or discuss giving opportunities.

For more information, please visit The Carr Center website.

Together, we can lay the foundation for lasting change!

The Carying Place
📧 info@thecaryingplace.org
📞 (919) 462-1800
🌐 www.thecaryingplace.org