The Inter-Faith Council recently completed its project, which began in 2019, to build a brand new building in Carrboro to house its services. The nonprofit recently held a virtual grand opening to celebrate and welcome the community.
The IFC demolished its previous building on Main Street in Carrboro to make way for a new building, The IFC Commons, which was funded through a $6 million dollar capital campaign. The building is located at the same place as the prior building at 110 West Main Street in Carrboro.
Jennifer Gill is the development and communications director for IFC. She spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell about the opening. Although people were not able to meet for an in-person tour the non-profit provided a virtual tour as part of the buildings launch.
“More than 400 folks registered to attend the grand opening. The chat was just lighting up with messages of support and excitement,” Gill said. “Folks were virtual hugging and joking. We heard from a lot of folks by email and phone afterward wishing us well and sending us their support.”
Quinton Harper is the Activate IFC coordinator. He said the 16,000 square foot building includes a kitchen for distributing meals and a community market for people to come and shop. The building also includes office and conference spaces throughout the second floor.
“I just think about the laughter, the sharing, the advocacy. All of the good things, all of the moments that community will have in this room,” Harper said. “I think I’ve been really excited that it is named the IFC Commons. It is really a place for the community to come and join us.”
COVID-19 provided some challenges for IFC to work through in how to adapt its services in a safe way for the community. Gill said IFC moved to take out meals and grocery pickup for people in the community in need.
“We got creative like everybody else,” Gill said. “We did not shut down and I think that was a really important thing for all of us. We felt very very strongly that whatever took place we had to keep going.”
Harper said not only did the organization maintain its services, IFC progressed into “new horizons.”
“IFC is shifting from a charity based model to kind of a social justice model where we are in community building relationships really confronting the causes of racism and poverty and working to build community,” Harper said.
To learn more about IFC and see the new building, click here.
Photo via IFC
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