Addressing Extreme Heat through Faithful Community Resilience

As extreme heat intensifies across the Carolinas, communities face rising energy costs, disproportionate health risks, and increasing pressure on local infrastructure. Faith-based organizations have long played a vital role in responding to crises in our region, providing critical support and advocating for systemic change. They are uniquely positioned to partner with others on advancing communities’ heat resilience.

Join us for a public conversation exploring the intersection of faith, energy justice, and climate resilience. Hosted by Ashley Ward of Duke University’s Heat Policy Innovation Hub, this conversation will feature Pastor Neil Bernard (New Wine Christian Fellowship), Angella Dunston (Warren County Environmental Action Team), and Reverend Leo Woodberry (Kingdom Living Temple and New Alpha Community Development Corporation).

The discussion will examine:

• How faith-based communities are addressing extreme heat and energy poverty
• The role of churches and community spaces as resilience hubs
• Policy and financial solutions that connect local needs with industry and government action

The event is free and open to the public (registration is required). Space is limited—register now to be part of the conversation on building more resilient and equitable communities.

This public conversation—organized by the Ormond Center at Duke Divinity School and by the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability—is part of a project on Cooling Communities: Building Resilience to Extreme Heat, funded by a Duke University Environmental and Climate Justice in the Carolinas grant.

Pastor Neil Bernard is the founding pastor of New Wine Christian Fellowship in Laplace, LA. He also serves as the chairman of St. John the Baptist Parish Long Term Recovery Group and oversees the largest Community Lighthouse in Louisiana. Pastor Bernard has a lifetime of experience serving communities, particularly in response, recovery and resilience to disasters. 

Angella Dunston works at the intersection of energy and health, advancing equity and resilience. A dedicated community advocate and environmental justice leader, she has been instrumental in grassroots leadership in Warren County, NC, through the Warren County Environmental Action Team (WCEAT). 

Reverend Leo Woodberry is the pastor at Kingdom Living Temple and executive director of New Alpha Community Development in Florence, SC. He has been on the forefront of environmental justice and climate activism across the Southeast since 1991 and is an awardee of President Biden’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ashley Ward, Ph.D. (Moderator) directs the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability. Her career has focused on engaging communities to identify and address issues related to climate change, and helping communities develop long-term, sustainable strategies relevant to their needs.

The nearest visitor parking is available in the Bryan Center Parking Garage (Parking Garage 4). Pull an entry ticket; before returning to your vehicle, pay at an automated pay station (rate: $2.00/hour).

Walking directions from parking to event: Goodson Chapel is in Duke Divinity School, which is on the direct opposite side of Duke Chapel. Exit the Parking Deck and cross the surface-level parking lot, walking towards Duke Chapel. When you come to the Divinity School, enter through the wooden doors of the Westbrook Building. Once inside, if you prefer the stairs, proceed down one half-flight, directly in front of you. If you prefer the elevator, it is to the right in the foyer. Take the elevator to B Level and exit right. Downloadable walking directions for printing.