The Wake House Project
A Community Coming Together to Create a Space That Reflects
the Hope Inside It
Ready to help right now?
Every gift helps transform a space where hope and healing happen every day.
Make a Donation
Fund renovations, furniture, and materials
Shop the Item Wish List
Purchase toys, supplies, and essentials directly
What’s Happening at the Wake House
Each week in Wake County, nearly 170 children in foster care visit the Wake House to spend meaningful time with their biological parents. These moments are critical—opportunities to rebuild trust, reconnect, and move toward reunification.
The county staff and parent coaches who work at the Wake House are doing incredible things with limited resources. But the environment they’re working in doesn’t reflect the significance of what happens there. The rooms are outdated, the furniture is worn, and the overall space is in need of care.
That’s why this project exists: to bring the space up to the same standard as the love and professionalism being poured into it daily.
Who’s Behind This Project?
The Wake House Project began through a growing partnership between Wake County leaders and RDU for Fams, a regional collaborative working to address the foster care crisis. Led by Keith Fortier and the team at Agape of NC, RDU for Fams brings together community-minded organizations to serve vulnerable families in practical, meaningful ways.
One of the first to step in was Home Sweet Hope, a nonprofit that specializes in transforming environments for families in crisis. After hearing about the needs at the Wake House, they toured the space and immediately recognized that this wasn’t just about new furniture—it was about reimagining the entire environment. From that moment, they took the lead on planning and executing the renovation work, drawing on their experience and passion for creating trauma-informed, beautiful spaces for kids and families.
As the vision grew, so did the team. Mission Support came alongside to help with communication and mobilizing church partners. Carolina Care Center joined the effort to engage volunteers, connect donors, and spread awareness across their networks.
Soon after, local businesses began to step in—offering supplies, donations, and even skilled labor. It became clear that this wasn’t going to be a one-organization project. It would take a coalition.
Now, we’re inviting churches and organizations like yours to jump in. To bring your people, your gifts, and your presence to the table. The train is moving—local leaders are onboard, trusted nonprofits are leading, and the groundwork has been laid. What we need now is a groundswell of churches committed to the journey ahead.
Why This Matters
The story began with a small ask: could churches help replace some worn-out furniture? But during a tour of the space with several local pastors, it became clear this was a much bigger opportunity. The entire facility needed to be renewed—physically and relationally.
This is our chance to come alongside county workers and families in a meaningful way. To show up. To serve. And to create a space that tells families: you matter, and you’re not alone.
What the Project Includes
Together, we’re working to renovate all seven visitation rooms at the Wake House. That includes:
- New flooring throughout the center
- Repairing and repainting walls
- Replacing old furniture with family-safe, welcoming pieces
- Stocking toys, games, books, and art supplies
- Adding trauma-informed décor that helps families feel calm and safe
The project will unfold in phases, based on funding, volunteer support, and available materials.
How You Can Help
This is a big project—but it’s the kind that becomes possible when the community shows up. Here are three simple ways you can take action:
1. Make a Donation
Your financial gift helps fund construction, materials, furnishings, and staff coordination.
Whether you’re a church, business, or individual—every dollar goes directly toward transforming these rooms.
2. Purchase from the Shopping Wish List
We’ve curated a list of toys, sensory tools, supplies, and other essentials that will go directly into the renovated visitation rooms.
Pick items, check out, and ship them straight to the project.
3. Make a Commitment to Be Involved
We’re asking churches and organizations to commit to walking with us on this journey. When you fill out the form below, your church will be added to our growing partner list—and be the first to receive updates on:
- Upcoming volunteer opportunities
- Financial and in-kind needs
- Long-term support ideas
- Real stories of impact
It’s not about doing everything—it’s about saying, “We’re in.”
Our Partners
This project wouldn’t be possible without a wide network of community collaborators. Thank you to:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who’s leading this project?
The project is organized under RDU for Fams, led by Agape of NC, with Home Sweet Hope managing all renovation and design execution. Multiple partner organizations are supporting logistics, outreach, and volunteer efforts.
Can our church adopt a room or specific need?
Yes. Churches are invited to sponsor a room, adopt a set of needs, or coordinate a team for a service day.
What is the project timeline?
Work is already underway and will progress as donations, volunteers, and resources come together. Phased updates will be shared with committed partners.
How will we know what’s needed?
Once your church commits, we’ll send regular updates and alerts about exactly what’s needed and when—from furniture to volunteers to prayer.
Is this faith-based?
While this is a collaboration of faith-based and community organizations, it serves a public facility and welcomes participation from all.