Good Shepherd Center celebrates opening of SECU The Sparrow supportive housing community
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Good Shepherd Center will celebrate the ribbon cutting of SECU The Sparrow on Friday, May 8, marking a significant step forward in efforts to address chronic homelessness in the Cape Fear region.
Located on Carolina Beach Road, SECU The Sparrow is a new permanent supportive housing community featuring 32 apartments for chronically homeless individuals living with significant disabilities. Community leaders, public partners, funders, and supporters are expected to attend the event celebrating the opening of the development.
According to Good Shepherd Center Executive Director Katrina Knight, the project represents a major investment in long-term housing solutions for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.
“SECU The Sparrow represents something deeply important for our community,” Knight said. “Many people know Good Shepherd Center for our shelter and meal programs, but supportive housing is one of the most effective tools we have to end homelessness for neighbors with the greatest barriers to stability.”
The new development builds upon the success of SECU Lakeside Reserve, the organization’s first supportive housing community. With SECU The Sparrow, Good Shepherd Center expands its ability to serve individuals who have experienced prolonged homelessness while also managing significant disabilities.
The project received key funding through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency’s Supportive Housing American Rescue Plan (SHARP) program. Additional support came from the City of Wilmington, which donated the approximately one-acre site and provided capital and pre-development assistance, as well as the SECU Foundation, whose $2 million challenge grant helped move the project forward.
“Supportive housing is a proven strategy for ending chronic homelessness,” Knight said. “Their investment is creating long-term stability for people who need it most.”
Permanent supportive housing combines affordable housing with case management and supportive services, helping residents connect with healthcare, treatment programs, and other community resources while building independent living skills. Research has shown the model can improve housing stability and health outcomes while reducing dependence on emergency and crisis systems.
The opening of SECU The Sparrow is part of Home for Good, Good Shepherd Center’s broader campaign to expand housing and shelter solutions across the region. Organization leaders say the new development represents both a milestone achievement and a continued commitment to evidence-based approaches to reducing homelessness in the Cape Fear area.
