What We Do
Build Disciples
Transformative discipleship environments are where volunteers find inspiration & are empowered to tangibly work for equity.
Build Homes
Sustainably affordable housing tends to be the missing link in the virtuous cycle that elevates families out of poverty.
Build Partnerships
Coming alongside Community Organizations and support by Corporate and Church Partners make what we do possible.
Why We Do What We Do
Homeownership is a key driver in breaking free from the poverty cycle. Our neighbors in under-served areas of the city suffer from high rent in neglected properties and even when education and employment improve, the lack of quality affordable housing creates instability, financial stress and abject living conditions. Memphis has the highest eviction rate in the country and access to quality affordable housing is the biggest barrier to those who could otherwise qualify for financing. We can positively impact the poverty rate in our community by empowering a percentage of moderately low income renters to become homeowners––but how?
God’s plan for the healing of our world was to send Jesus to make disciples who make disciples. Jesus was not just a preacher but fed people who were hungry, healed those who were sick (and as a carpenter built houses––but we won’t go there!) We must continue the generative process of inspiring and putting to work world-changing disciples in order to see God’s Kingdom advance in our community. The work in which disciples engage in ought to be strategic to bring about the most effective change in empowering neighbors and developing communities that thrive. What we are doing brings together a highly effective disciple-building experience with an efficient house-building process that works together to bring real and lasting change in the city we love.
Urban Equity Staff
Our team of two are working tirelessly to launch Urban Equity in the midst of this global pandemic. Between construction & inspections, discipleship & programming, recruiting & registration, fundraising & communications, this is the team that’s got it covered!
Jamey Lee - Director
Jamey and his wife Michelle are originally from Lafayette and New Orleans and are known for spicy food, parties, & hospitality. They have lived with their family in Binghampton since 2007 and have connected with SOS in various ways since then. Prior to SOS, Jamey served as a pastor at Christ Church Memphis then founded Jacob’s Well, a diverse community of faith that works for reconciliation, recovery, and connects volunteers to service. He also works with churches and pastors as a Leadership Coach with SLI, and his family developed and manages an Airbnb business in Memphis. Jamey loves working out really early in the morning (like Philip), half-price shakes at Sonic, and smoking things on his Big Green Egg.
Dwayne Jones - Construction Manager & Consultant
Dwayne A. Jones is a native of Memphis and a licensed general contractor with Dwayne A. Jones Construction Company LLC with degrees in Architectural Engineering, Business Management and currently completing his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership. He is currently a member of The New Olivet Worship Center under the leadership of Pastor Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr. and serves as International Mission Director. Dwayne enjoys international mission service in Ghana and Togo West Africa, India, and Haiti, but his service starts in his childhood neighborhood of Orange Mound, TN. Here his company built the House of Orange Mound and My Cup of Tea businesses and continues to support as a board member. He also helps with a few home and community gardens, hosts city-wide community bicycle rides with a fleet of thirty bikes, and supports the homeless by partnering with local organizations for feeding, clothing, and the ministry of service. Read below regarding his recent work to provide affordable housing in Orange Mound:
All are created equal, yet equity is not our reality.
Strategic bridges across the wealth gap can empower neighbors and revitalize underserved communities. Partner with Urban Equity and together we will
Build disciples. Build homes. Build partnerships.