WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A single mother of two, Denise Coles served five years in the Army National Guard.

What You Need To Know

  • The Housing 4 Our Heroes program has three affordable housing units, a separate house for veterans and one unit for a low-income family

  • Whole Man Ministries has provided nearly 40 affordable homes for veterans in Winston-Salem

  • Two struggling families are thankful for the program and are moving into the new units this year

Still, after returning from active duty, she couldn’t afford housing for herself and her two children until finding help from the Housing 4 Our Heroes program.

"It was just nice to be able to find somewhere, because I had been looking for a long time," Coles said.

Coles moved into one of the new two-bedroom units at the Housing 4 Our Heroes apartments on University Parkway. 

She said she learned about the program from her uncle, a program participant, who says the new home represents a new start for her family.

“It's a blessing, especially to have a place for me and my kids. It’s just a blessing,“ she said. 

Whole Man Ministries' Housing 4 Our Heroes program received a nearly $500,000 grant from the city of Winston-Salem to create three affordable housing units and a separate house for veterans along with one unit for a low-income family. The church has already provided nearly 40 affordable homes for veterans in the city.

Pastor Camilla Washington and her husband Bishop Barry Washington started the program after getting to know some of the homeless veterans in the area.

According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2023 annual Homelessness Assessment Report, more than 700 veterans struggle with homelessness. 

The church’s program aims to limit that number by partnering with vet organizations, the city of Winston-Salem, the Winston-Salem Foundation and the High Point Community Foundation to find properties to renovate and offer to veterans at a price they can afford. 

“We enjoy building up veterans and those who are facing homelessness or low income, moderate income and that need a place to stay and something safe as well," Camilla Washington said. 

The new location has three units and a house.

Steven Braxton, who was the first to move in this spring, says he didn't have a permanent place to live with his son before being offered to join the program. 

"It's coming at a great time, could not have been a better time. I would say, yes we needed it so bad. My credit was not up to par, so we just needed this, and it's just a blessing," Braxton said.

Both new residents said they are grateful to the church for its help. 

To learn more about the Housing 4 Our Heroes program, click here.