Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary Heath Stamper.
Hi Zachary Heath, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into this work is rooted in both lived experience and a deep belief that no one should ever feel abandoned in a moment of need. I come from a background of residential construction and nonprofit collaboration, and for many years I built homes and communities in a more traditional sense. But along the way, I found my purpose shifting — I realized that the structures we create only matter if the people inside them feel safe, supported, and empowered.
For me, housing isn’t just about walls and roofs; it’s about dignity and opportunity. As I learned more about young people aging out of foster care and individuals rebuilding their lives after incarceration, it became clear that there is a massive gap between surviving and truly thriving. I wanted to be part of the solution.
That passion led me to join forces with Persevere and their Epic Youth program here in Memphis. They’re doing incredible work equipping justice-impacted youth with tech and life skills that fundamentally change their future. Together, we are reimagining what transition housing can look like — not just a temporary bed, but a launchpad for the next chapter of their lives.
I work under the brand Zachary Heath Homes, handling development, renovation oversight, and vision for these spaces — aligning every construction decision with the mission of healing and growth. It’s incredibly meaningful work, and it has brought me full-circle: taking everything I learned over 15+ years in construction and using it to build hope, not just housing.
My story is still being written, but today, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be — using my experience to open doors for those who deserve every chance at a better future.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has definitely not been smooth — but I don’t think purpose is ever found on the easy path. I’ve faced challenges both personally and professionally that shaped the work I do today.
On the professional side, stepping into mission-driven development means navigating funding hurdles, shifting regulations, and the constant balancing act of making a project financially feasible while keeping people at the heart of every decision. Creating housing for vulnerable youth involves many stakeholders, each with different concerns and timelines. It requires perseverance — and a lot of creative problem-solving — to keep moving forward.
On a personal level, my own life has included seasons of deep hardship and moments where I felt like I had to rebuild from the ground up. Those experiences taught me what it feels like to be uncertain about your future, and they gave me the empathy and fire I carry into this work. The struggles helped me understand that safety, belonging, and opportunity aren’t luxuries — they are lifelines.
So while the road hasn’t been easy, every challenge has strengthened my resolve. The difficulties are exactly why this work matters. When I see someone get that first set of house keys, or walk into a space designed for their success — it reminds me that every obstacle was worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in transforming housing into opportunity. Through Zachary Heath Homes, my work focuses on developing and renovating supportive communities for youth who are stepping into independence, often without a safety net. That includes creating transition housing that is safe, beautiful, and intentionally designed to help them build confidence, learn new skills, and prepare for long-term stability.
What I’m most known for is bridging two worlds that don’t always speak the same language — construction and social impact. I take the structure and precision of homebuilding and layer in trauma-informed design, accessibility, and programming needs so that the end result feels like hope, not just housing.
In Memphis, I’m leading the remodel project for Persevere’s Epic Youth program, which will expand bedroom and bathroom capacity and convert existing space into a larger education and workforce area. These young people are learning tech skills, earning employment opportunities, and rewriting the trajectory of their lives — and the space they live in should reflect that growth.
I’m most proud of creating environments where someone can walk in and feel, maybe for the first time, “I belong here.” Seeing the impact in real time — watching a young adult gain confidence, land a job, or simply feel safe — that is what sets my soul on fire.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just build to code — I build for purpose. Every decision, from the floor plan to the furniture, is made with the resident’s future in mind. I’m not chasing profit margins; I’m chasing changed lives. And I believe that design can be the first step in changing someone’s story.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice is this: start messy, but start with purpose. You don’t have to have every answer, every dollar, or every connection in place before you take the first step. If the work you’re doing has real meaning behind it, you can figure out the rest along the way.
I wish I had known earlier that challenges aren’t signs you’re on the wrong path — they’re proof that you’re doing something worthwhile. There were times I thought the obstacles meant I wasn’t ready or I wasn’t the “right” person to lead a project like this. But the truth is, passion and perseverance will take you much farther than perfection ever will.
Surround yourself with people who believe in the vision, even when it’s still just a sketch on paper. Collaborations — like what I have with Persevere and Epic Youth — are powerful. When you bring together people who care about the same mission, impossible goals start to look achievable.
And finally: don’t lose sight of why you started. On the toughest days, that purpose is what keeps you going. When you’re building something that changes lives, every setback becomes a stepping stone.
Start. Learn. Adjust. And keep moving. The work you’re dreaming about matters more than you know.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zacharyheathhomes.com/
