Central SC Habitat for Humanity Gala raises funds to build 6 homes

“Tear that mortgage!” A crowd of over 3-hundred chanted and cheered as Habitat Homeowner Glenda Hiller stepped onto a stage and ripped up her mortgage. White pieces of paper fell like snow to the ground inside the 701 Whaley venue in Columbia. Hiller payed off the mortgage on her Habitat home in full this year.

“There’s a misconception out there that Habitat gives people homes,” Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity Executive Director, Roy Kramer told Gala attendees.

“Families who move into Habitat homes work hard for years in our program before they start to build,” Kramer said.

“When they move in, they pay affordable mortgages.”

Another Habitat homeowner who recently paid off her mortgage broke down into tears.

“Habitat saved my life,” Tina Torres said. Torres told the crowd that moving into a safe,
stable home is the reason why she has three daughters who are successful college graduates today.

“Central SC Habitat for Humanity needs to be a model for communities that are trying to combat the affordable housing crises in our country,” Super Bowl Champion and sports commentator Joe Theismann said. The former Washington Redskins quarterback was a featured speaker at the Gala. Before the event, Theismann hopped into a white Habitat pick-up truck and went on a “Ride with Roy” neighborhood tour of Cayce. Central SC Habitat for Humanity’s Executive Director started giving the rides as a way to inform people who live in the Midlands, that in addition to building homes from the ground up, the local affiliate is also helping fix homes in the neighborhoods where Habitat is working. “The goal is to bring hope and pride back into declining neighborhoods, one block at a time,” Kramer said.

“We are blown away by the support shown at this year’s Gala,” Kramer said. “We live in such a giving community. From the volunteers, to the sponsors, to individuals and businesses that give financially, I just want to say thank you!” Kramer said.

About Central SC Habitat for Humanity

Since 1985, Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity has built more than 250 homes in Richland and Lexington counties. Habitat homeowners receive financial education, help build their houses and pay an affordable mortgage. A decent place to live and an affordable mortgage create a situation where homeowners can save more, invest in education, pursue opportunity and have financial stability. With our help, homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better future for themselves and for their families. Learn more: www.habitatcsc.org