“It’s such a beautiful way to bring the Muslim and Catholic communities together, and I’m just so happy to be part of this,” an emotional Don Brady exclaimed at the August 2020 dedication of the Habitat Greensboro home he sponsored through Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. The homeowners are Salaheldin and Sanna, members of the Islamic Center of Greensboro on 16th Street, located next door to Mr. Brady’s business, Brady Services. “When Mary Gay and I decided to sponsor this home through our church, we had no idea we’d be providing a home for a family who worships next door to Brady Services. I’m so happy to have this opportunity to get to know our neighbors and to meet Imam Ahmed!”

In his opening prayer, Imam Ahmed asked that God “Bless this home with mercy, peace, and tranquility, that all in this neighborhood may live in harmony.” Through these words, Imam Ahmed echoes the philosophy of the man whose work inspired Habitat for Humanity International – Clarence Jordan. Jordan, a farmer and biblical scholar in Americus, Georgia, believed sincerely in social justice and equity and worked throughout his life to create racial equity through equal housing access. As Jordan is quoted, “It is not enough to limit your love to your own nation, to your own group. You must respond with love even to those outside of it … This concept enables people to live together not as nations, but as the human race.”

Habitat Greensboro continues Jordan’s work today, working toward a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Thanks to Don and Mary Gay Brady and Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church for partnering with Salaheldin and Sanna to build their new home, creating community and hope for the future.

Homeowners Salaheldin and Sanna are excited to raise their three children in a safe, stable, and affordable home. Speaking on behalf of her family at the dedication, Sanna shared, “We are so fortunate to have worked with such amazing people to fulfill our dream of having our own home.”