Our Mission
The BWEL Foundation exists to build strong, diverse, equitable communities. This is accomplished through advocacy and supportive services for those who desire the opportunity to improve their quality of life.
Our core program is affordable housing solutions.
Support the BWEL Foundation
The BWEL Foundation relies on the community to fund our annual operations. By providing high-quality housing, early childhood education, academic support, and intergenerational programming, BWEL seeks to address the critical issues that impede school success for the single parent family. Your generous donation helps us to better serve these families.
There are no other holistic programs in the Raleigh area providing single parent students with the stability they need to focus on education.
Volunteer Opportunities
BWEL is currently a volunteer driven initiative and will remain so in the short term. We are seeking volunteer support in the following areas:
- Academic coaches
- Tutors
- Childcare providers
- Marketing and communications
- Advisory committee members
Affordable Housing News
Raleigh needs affordable housing. Has it found a way to get it?
Anna Johnson
April 4th, 2019
“Developers can now use affordable housing to help get their projects approved by the city.
Raleigh leaders have removed a barrier that stopped developers from offering affordable housing during the rezoning process.
But some worry the change could make other housing more expensive or that the council could start denying projects that don’t offer affordable housing.”
Durham mayor calls for $95 million affordable housing bond
Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan
February 18th, 2019
“Durham Mayor Steve Schewel wants a $95 million bond referendum on the November ballot for affordable housing.
Schewel announced it during his annual “state of the city” address at Monday night’s Durham City Council meeting. The bond would fund a five-year affordable housing plan.
“We have to decide if we as a community really want to do something about gentrification and affordable housing, or if we’re just going to complain about it. Are we going to talk about racial equity a lot, but ignore it when it comes to the biggest equity challenge our city faces?” Schewel said.”
Microsoft Pledges $500 Million for Affordable Housing in Seattle Area
Karen Weise
January 16th, 2019
“Microsoft Pledges $500 Million for Affordable Housing in Seattle Area ImageA government report in December found that the Seattle region needs 156,000 more affordable housing units, and will need 88,000 more by 2040 if the region’s growth continues.
A government report in December found that the Seattle region needs 156,000 more affordable housing units, and will need 88,000 more by 2040 if the region’s growth continues.”
Our History
Bishop William Earl Lee (BWEL) was a Vietnam veteran who lost his battle to cancer in February 2018. He was a beloved pillar in his Pocono mountain community in PA, serving everyone from the local government to the homeless and incarcerated.
Bishop Lee was a servant leader, meeting people where they were on their journey and leading by example through his selflessness, sacrifice, kindness, uncritical approach, and genuine motives. He used his influence to build meaningful relationships framed by loving God and loving people.
We at the BWEL Foundation are privileged to carry forward this authentic legacy of love, empathy, and social justice.
Our Values
- Love – Every life matters regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, criminal conviction, socio-economic status, age, gender, disability, or mental/emotional capacity.
- Community – Strong collaborations with community partners is one of the key ways we work to help advance our cause towards strong, equitable communities.
- Social Justice – We promote solutions that break down inequity and give working families the opportunity of upward mobility. Communities that are integrated and equitable are healthier and more sustainable for everyone.
- Strategic Solutions – We combine best practices and the community voice to ensure that growth benefits all, then connect people with the tools and networks needed to implement them.
- Servant Leadership – We lead by serving others and combat division through empathy. Leading by example and encouraging others to do the same builds community.