About Us

Our Mission

CHOEDC’s mission is to build stronger, more resilient communities where economic opportunity is not determined by zip code or circumstance, but by potential and determination. Through our work, we create lasting change that extends from individual households to entire neighborhoods, fostering a North Carolina where everyone has the tools and opportunities needed to achieve economic prosperity.

At the Centre for Homeownership & Economic Development Corporation (CHOEDC), we are dedicated to advancing economic empowerment through equitable homeownership, entrepreneurship, workforce development, affordable housing solutions, mental health peer support services, and small business lending.

For over two decades, CHOEDC has served as a catalyst for change throughout North Carolina, helping individuals and families build lasting financial stability, increase access to vital resources, and strengthen the economic fabric of their communities. Through strategic partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, we deliver innovative programs and comprehensive education that create pathways to prosperity across 19 North Carolina Counties.

Our commitment extends beyond individual success to holistic community transformation. We recognize that economic empowerment requires addressing both financial and mental wellness barriers. We believe that when families achieve homeownership, when entrepreneurs access capital through our lending programs, when workers develop marketable skills, when mental health support strengthens individual resilience, and when affordable housing becomes accessible, entire communities thrive. By expanding affordable housing options specifically for low-income individuals and families, we address one of the most fundamental barriers to economic mobility.

CHOEDC serves in 21 counties in Eastern North Carolina

including Orange, Alamance, Guilford, Caswell, Person, Durham, Wake, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Chatham, Vance, Warren, Halifax, Cumberland, Edgecombe, Martin, Nash, New Hanover, North Hampton, and Pitt.

CHOEDC has served more than 31,300 individuals and families

throughout North Carolina’s rural communities within the last 5 years. Through our Health and Wellness programs, we assist public housing residents, voucher participants, residents of multifamily assisted housing and veterans with housing choice, along with mental health and substance abuse services.

Our Team

Board of Directors

Steve Drake
Law Offices of Steven A. Drake
(Board Chairman)

Sharon Moe
Senior Vice President, North State Bank
(Vice-Chairman)

Jason Harris
Regional Manager, Wolfe Financial, Inc.
(Treasurer)

Vickie Feaster-Fornville
Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board
(Secretary)

James Stroud
Centre for Homeownership & EDC, Inc.
(Executive Director)

Doug Mollett
Workforce Development Manager, NCRC
(Director)

Julie Russ
Business Development Officer, First Citizens Bank
(Director)

Melvin Watson
NC Association of Realtors
(Director)

Alfredo Macias
AJ  Architecture Design
(Director)

Dylan Macias
Commercial & Residential Home Planning
(Director)

Darius Hunt
Wake County Government
(Director)

Vicki Pinson
Licensed Psychological Associate
(Board Member)

2024 Annual Report

Our 2024 Annual Report showcases a year of remarkable growth and community impact across Eastern North Carolina. In this report, you’ll discover how CHOEDC has empowered over 5,570 individuals and families through homeownership pathways, financial education, mental health services, and workforce development initiatives. From launching Project TRIUMPH to expanding our clean energy programs, we’re creating sustainable economic opportunities in 21 counties. The report highlights our strategic partnerships, program metrics, and vision for 2025 and beyond. Click below to explore our achievements and see how your support is transforming lives and communities.

Collage of three business scenes: top left shows diverse professionals in a meeting with a presenter discussing charts on a screen; bottom left displays a digital concept with a hand holding a glowing sphere surrounded by technology interfaces; right image features diverse colleagues celebrating success with high-fives in a modern office environment.