St. John’s Episcopal Church and Second Presbyterian Church are once again joining forces with Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley, launching the second chapter of their shared homebuilding effort, “Build it Together.”
The two congregations first partnered in 2024, when they helped construct a six-bedroom home for a family of 10. Now, they are returning to the worksite with a new goal: building a home for a family of 12 through a project that reflects both faith in action and a deepening commitment to affordable housing in the Roanoke community.
“Build it Together” began in 2024 after members of both congregations decided they wanted to expand their involvement with Habitat beyond what they had previously been doing. Before that, both churches participated in Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley’s long-running “Apostles Build,” a collaborative effort that brings together more than a dozen churches and the future homeowner to build a house.
While Apostles Build remains an important community ministry, its broad participation can make it difficult for volunteers who want to spend additional time on the job site. By teaming up independently, St. John’s Episcopal and Second Presbyterian created a way to offer more hands-on service and a deeper level of support.
For the duration of the six- to eight-month build, each congregation provides a volunteer crew once a week. That steady presence not only helps move construction forward, but also allows church members to form meaningful relationships with the homebuyer family. Leaders say that connection is one of the most valuable parts of the project, turning volunteer hours into a true investment in a family’s future.
As the second Build it Together project gets underway, both congregations are hoping others will be inspired to get involved.
To learn more about the Apostles Build or volunteer opportunities with Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley, contact David at david@habitat-roanoke.org
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