On Saturday, July 20, 2024 the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina will welcome the community to the 1st Annual Lumbee Tribe Housing Fair. The event brings together housing experts to offer expertise on a range of housing issues for homeowners or home renters.

The Lumbee Tribe is a housing leader across the region and has gained national recognition as a model for its housing program. In 2023, the tribal staff celebrated building its 250th home. The organization continues to create new planned communities across its four-county territory. 

While working with tribal citizens, Bradley Locklear, Lumbee Tribe Housing Director, and the staff members see daily the need for education or better understanding for families as they prepare to make such an important decision as purchasing a new home.

“Even if someone doesn’t qualify for the tribe's housing programs, we want to open our doors to our community partners that make our housing programs so successful and connect them with our community members,” said Locklear in a press release. We are a top performing tribal housing organization on a national scale and across Indian country, but regionally as well.”

This first Annual Housing Fair on July 20 will welcome families from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lumbee Tribe Boys & Girls Club. The address is 120 Youth Drive Pembroke, NC which is behind the Lumbee Tribe Housing Complex on NC Hwy 711. This event will offer information about housing options relevant to renters, homeowners and those seeking to begin their process. Attendees will also receive information on maintaining a home, refinancing and much more. Resources and information will be provided by area experts such as real estate agents, lawyers, licensed general contractors, architects, financial educators, lenders, mobile home dealers, and housing non-profit organizations. The housing fair is free and open to the public.

Lumbee Tribal Chairman Lowery said the housing fair will meet a key need for families.

“This is a great opportunity for our tribal citizens to gain a better understanding of the homeowner process,” said Lowery in a press release. “We understand that purchasing a home for the first time can be overwhelming and we hope this fair will help ease some of that stress.”

The tribal staff says the event will have something for everyone, including food trucks on hand for attendees. 

“Regardless if you are a high wage earner with a lot of equity in your home, or a young couple curious about new home options, we want to provide an environment where those questions can be answered by a wide range of professionals,” added Bradley Locklear in a press release.