Habitat Greenville dedicates Women Build home in Simpsonville
March 15, 2018
Talaya Holland walked into her new home this afternoon thanks in part to the work of 300 women volunteers from Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County.
“This is a wonderful day for myself and my son,” Holland said during Wednesday’s dedication ceremony. “This is a blessed day.”
As a Habitat Greenville program participant, Holland completed 25 hours of homeownership education classes as well as 200 hours of “sweat equity,” building her home and the homes of other Habitat homeowners. She will pay an affordable mortgage for the home.
Holland was not alone on the project. More than 300 local women help construct her home starting from the ground up in November as part of Habitat Greenville’s annual Women’s Build, said Monroe Free, the agency’s CEO and president.
The Women Build brings together women from across all business sectors and experience levels to fundraise and build a home with Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County. Each woman participating in the build commits to donating both time and money to complete the construction of the home.
The Women Build is a national initiative of Habitat for Humanity that empowers women to help families build strength, stability and independence, while also learning construction skills. In addition to this build, Habitat Greenville also participates in National Women Build Week, held each year in the spring.
Thursday’s dedication was a significant milestone in the Holland family’s journey to home ownership. During the event, sponsors, partners, and volunteers came forward to talk about the experience and to wish Holland a wonderful future in her new home.
“We are always thankful for our build partners who are helping to create new opportunities for families in our community, but it’s especially impactful when it’s women helping other women,” Free said. “They are not just building a house, but a home where the Holland family can grow and thrive.”
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, maintains a 4-Star Charity status by Charity Navigator and Silver rating from Guidestar. Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.
