Habitat Greenville dedicates Faith/Golden Strip Church Coalition Home for a veteran
July 20, 2018
On Sunday, July 22, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County will dedicate the 2018 Faith/Golden Strip Church Coalition Build home, celebrating a longstanding partnership with faith communities in Greenville and the Golden Strip. This is the 21st home built by Greenville’s Faith/Golden Strip Church Coalition.
The new homeowners are the Beard family, a military family united to overcome adversity. Jacob Beard joined the Navy in 2001. As a combat veteran, his service included Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He also served as a leadership development trainer while serving at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Jacob retired from the military in 2009. Jacob has suffered over 27 injuries in total, including head injuries and breaking both of his feet in 50+ places. Currently suffering from a skin disease resulting from his military service, he turned to the Wounded Warrior Project for help. They put him in touch with Upstate Warrior Solution who referred him to Habitat’s program for veterans.
Like all Habitat Greenville homeownership program participants, homeowners Joseph and Danielle have completed 25 hours of homeownership education classes. They will also complete 250 hours of “sweat equity,” building their home and the homes of other Habitat homeowners alongside volunteers from the church partners and other organizations. The Beards will pay an affordable mortgage for the home.
Construction of the Beard home was made possible through the generosity of the partners participating in the Faith/Golden Strip Church Coalition, a group of local churches that support the mission of Habitat through donations and volunteering. This year’s build participants include:
- Advent United Methodist Church St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church
- Aldersgate United Methodist Church St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
- Brookwood Church Southern Connector
- Earle Street Baptist Church Messiah Lutheran Church
- Emmanuel United Church of Christ Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
- First Baptist Church of Mauldin Five Forks Baptist Church
- Fountain Inn Presbyterian Church Lutheran Church of Our Savior
- Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church Ice Cream Station
- Greater New Hope Ministries Trinity Lutheran Church
- Holy Cross Episcopal Church John Knox Presbyterian Church
“We are grateful for the support of our Faith Build and Golden Strip Church Coalition partners in bringing affordable housing to all parts of our community,” said Monroe Free, President and CEO of Habitat Greenville. “Because of them, we can help families like the Beards build and purchase homes that will help them build strength, stability and self-reliance.”
When they move into their Habitat home, it will be the Beard’s 17th move together in 18 years. Joseph and Danielle’s sons are looking forward to having rooms of their own and having friends over. Wherever life takes them from here, we know their dedication to being together will continue to serve them well.
About Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County
Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County opened its doors in 1985 to bring families, community partners and volunteers together to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes that help families build strength, stability and self-reliance. As of January 2018, Habitat Greenville has completed construction of 348 homes. Habitat Greenville received the 2017 Builder of the Year award from EarthCraft, and in recognition of financial health, accountability and transparency, maintain a 4-Star Charity status by Charity Navigator and a Silver Star rating from Guidestar.
Habitat Greenville ReStores are located at 3033 Wade Hampton Boulevard in Taylors and 10017 Pelham Pointe in Simpsonville. Call 864-312-5016 for free donation pickups. Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.
