Greenville CEOs dedicate fifth Habitat home
June 24, 2017
On Thursday, June 21, 23 of Greenville’s top CEO’s put the finishing touches on their latest project – the construction of a new home for the Nivens family, as part of Habitat Greenville’s fourth annual CEO Build.
This home is Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County’s fifth CEO build, an annual event that unites companies from across business sectors to fund and construct a home for a Greenville family making between 30 and 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Each executive‘s company supports the build through both financial sponsorship and volunteer hours.
For the Nivens family, this dedication marks a significant milestone in their journey to a safe, stable future. Homeowner Brad Nivens’ two sons are both affected by autism, so the home was built with several accommodations. These include a privacy fence surrounding the backyard, as well as a custom-built sensory room that can be used when the boys feel overstimulated. As a participant in the Habitat program, Brad Nivens completed 200 hours of sweat equity and 25 hours of homeownership preparation classes.
Working on a home to its completion is also a reward for the business community involved in the build. Many CEO Build participants are continual supporters of Habitat’s mission, either through consistent participation in the CEO Build or through sponsorship of individual build.
Dick Wilkerson, Michelin Chairman and President (retired), has chaired the project since its inception in 2013. This year’s participants include AFL Global; Bon Secours St. Francis Health System; Complete Public Relations; Ethox Chemicals, LLC; Fluor Corporation; GBS Building Supply; Greater Greenville Association of Realtors; Greenville County Redevelopment Authority; Greenville Health System; Greenville Technical College; Home Builders Association of Greenville; JHM Hotels; Lockheed Martin; Meritage Homes; REWA; SC Telco Federal Credit Union; Southern Fried Green Tomatoes; The Blood Connection; The Marchant Company; United Way of Greenville County; Urban League of the Upstate; and Wal-Mart Distribution Center.
“Sustainable community growth begins with a stable home environment for every family,” said Monroe Free, President & CEO of Habitat Greenville. “We are fortunate to have a business community in Greenville that understands the need to build communities from the ground up, just as they build their companies. We are proud to partner with these great organizations.”
To become involved with future CEO Builds, contact Barbara Martin at (864) 370-1458.
About Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County:
Through construction of affordable homes, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville enables Greenville families to build strength, stability and self-reliance. Habitat Greenville received the Greenville Chamber’s Neighborhood Improvement Award in 2015, and was recognized with the 2015 Nonprofit Excellence Award, given by the SC Association of Nonprofit Organizations (SCANPO). Chartered in 1985, Habitat Greenville has completed construction of more than 335 homes. In recognition of its financial health, accountability and transparency, Habitat Greenville has received 4-Star Charity status by Charity Navigator. Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.
