You can support affordable housing in NC by drinking beer

The N.C. Housing Coalition is partnering with Vermont-based Lawson’s Finest Liquids to raise money for affordable housing through the craft brewery’s “Good Brews for a Cause” initiative.

The coalition will receive a portion of the sales from every Cosmic Shift IPA — a limited seasonal release brew — sold in North Carolina. The proceeds will support the coalition’s effort to ensure every North Carolinian has a “home in which to live with dignity and opportunity.” Artisan Beverage, the local distributor of Lawson’s Finest brews, will match the brewery’s donations.

“At the Coalition, we believe that everyone has a role to play in addressing our housing challenges, and we’re excited to see Lawson’s Finest Liquids bring another example of creative collaboration for a good cause to life,” said Stephanie Watkins-Cruz, the coalition’s director of housing policy. 

The Good Brews for a Cause initiative focuses on creating special limited release beers and small-batch collaborations that are specifically brewed to raise funds for causes the company cares about. Each beer benefits specific nonprofit organizations that are working to uplift its community.

“Good Brews for a Cause grew out of a simple idea: brew great beer and use it to do good,” Sean Lawson, founder of Lawson’s Finest Liquids, said in a statement. “Cosmic Shift has allowed us to take that idea even further, turning this brew into a way to support organizations doing meaningful work across our distribution footprint.”

Lawson’s Finest expanded this year’s initiative across 12 states to partner with 13 nonprofits and 19 wholesalers to address the affordable housing crisis. Its employees said in a companywide survey that affordable housing is a top concern.

Low-income renters in North Carolina far outnumber affordable housing units   

“North Carolina Housing Coalition really rose up for a level of interest to us because of that ability to have a more widespread impact by focusing on the advocacy of legislation that can help more people get access to housing, the ability to buy a home, the ability to have a home that’s safe for their families,” said Carra Cheslin, social impact manager at Lawson’s Finest.

The nonprofits chosen to partner with the brewery this year are engaged in developing and managing affordable homes, providing emergency shelter and housing assistance and advocating for more equitable housing policies.

“We’re really excited to get to support awesome organizations like NC Housing Coalition to try to address that, and also bring more awareness to our beer drinkers about the issue of affordable housing,” Cheslin said.

Last year, Cosmic Shift raised $36,436 for 10 nonprofits across nine states. The theme was healthy communities. 

The brewery and coalition held a celebration at Beer Study in Durham last week for the North Carolina launch. Two more events are planned for this month, one on Nov. 17 at YIMBYTOWN 2026, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Transfer Co. Food Hall in Raleigh, and another Nov. 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Carolina Beer Temple in Matthews.