Home is the Key: Habitat Greenville joins national movement to address affordable homeownership
April 20, 2017
One in four households in the nation pays more than 30 percent of their income for housing and may have difficulty affording necessities such as food, clothing or medical care. In Greenville County, one in eight families live in poverty, and 10,324 families with children under the age of 18 live below the poverty level.
Greenville native Tony Waldrop, an Army veteran, his wife, Rachel and their three children were living in substandard housing with leaks and moisture problems in an unsafe neighborhood. As prospective Habitat homeowners, the Waldrops have completed 200 hours of sweat equity and 25 hours of homeownership classes, and will soon move into their new Habitat home. Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County exists to address the critical need for affordable housing in our community. To help meet this goal, the organization is joining Home is the Key, a national campaign by Habitat for Humanity International throughout the month of April. The campaign is aimed at highlighting the critical need for decent, affordable shelter.
Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County exists to address the critical need for affordable housing in our community. To help meet this goal, the organization is joining Home is the Key, a national campaign by Habitat for Humanity International throughout the month of April. The campaign is aimed at highlighting the critical need for decent, affordable shelter.
Habitat Greenville’s ReStores, which provide vital support for its affordable homebuilding program, will be the hub of the campaign. Supporters will be invited to purchase a $1, $5, or $20 “key” in support of Habitat at any of the three ReStore locations in Greenville, Taylors and Simpsonville. Across social media channels, Habitat supporters are invited to contribute in support of affordable homeownership. To participate, visit habitatgreenville.org/donate.
“We have seen firsthand how an affordable home can play a key role positively influencing education, health and financial opportunities for families and individuals,” said Monroe Free, President and CEO of Habitat Greenville. “Decent shelter is something we all need to thrive, and yet many in Greenville County live in inadequate housing conditions. We invite the community to join us in April and help us partner with even more families in need of a ‘hand up’ and a decent place to call home.”
Since its founding in 1985, Habitat Greenville has constructed more than 340 new affordable, energy-efficient homes for families earning less than 60% of the area median income. Habitat Greenville raised the walls on its first Veteran Build in February and will complete six homes in Greenville, Greer and Simpsonville this spring.
About Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County
Through construction of affordable homes, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville enables Greenville families with low income 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. To learn how to get involved with Affiliate Name, visit habitatgreenville.org.
