Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity is about bringing “people together to build homes, communities and hope.”
On Sept. 11, 2026, the organization will do all of the above as they host a 9/11 Day of Service and a Remembrance Ceremony.
Shelby Wilson, marketing and communications director for Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, explained that through the Day of Service, the mission begins with building a home.
“Hope is fostered in the relationships on-site, showing that when we come together for a common goal, we can accomplish it - especially in light of events in our nation's history, like 9/11,” Wilson added. “Community is born out of these relationships; whether the volunteers know each other or not, by the end of the day a camaraderie has been formed.”
The day kicks off at 8 a.m. at the Haven Place Habitat Community, located at 3101 Castle Hayne Road, next to the Circle K.
The first 9/11 Day of Service event was hosted in 2025 and was part of a grant through AmeriCorps.
“We received funding to support the event that would allow us to serve local veterans and first responders in the community,” Wilson said.
In addition to the two Days of Service in 2025, the organization also hosted a RED —Remember Everyone Deployed — event.
As Habitat staff reflected on last year's event, Wilson said they realized the importance of honoring and remembering those who serve the community and nation, so they decided to host the event again this year and hope to do so for the years to come.
For the 9/11 Day of Service, volunteer spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so those interested in volunteering should visit https://capefearhabitat.org/day-of-service/ to learn more.
Following the Day of Service, volunteers and members of the community will gather for a Remembrance Ceremony. Like the Day of Service, this event allows the community to remember and honor first responders and veterans.
Wilson noted that one particularly meaningful moment in the ceremony is when one of the Veteran volunteers plays Taps.
“We open the floor for guests to share their experiences or reflections, and to our staff and other attendees, it's a powerful moment,” she said.
For the ceremony, no registration is required, and the public is invited to attend.
Wilson said these events are in conjunction with Cape Fear Habitat’s Veterans Build initiative, which provides affordable housing opportunities and education for veterans and makes critical home repairs for their families. To help fund this initiative, the 9/11 Day of Service is seeking sponsorships, and all funds will support the Veterans Build initiative.
Those interested in sponsoring the event should visit the organization’s website.
“This event is about supporting the first responders and veterans who serve and protect us,” Wilson said. “They show up for citizens, and we feel it is our responsibility to show up for them. We encourage anyone to join us at the ceremony to show your appreciation for their sacrifice.”
Renee Spencer is the community engagement editor at the StarNews. Reach her at rspencer@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Cape Fear Habitat's 9/11 service day honors veterans, first responders
