Homes of Hope raises nearly $500,000 to expand affordable housing and Workforce Development efforts
May 13, 2026
In a powerful show of community investment, Homes of Hope raised $492,181.17 at its annual Spring Gala on May 1st at Furman University’s Younts Conference Center, fueling efforts to expand affordable housing and support men overcoming drug and alcohol addictions through its Men’s Workforce Development program.
More than 220 attendees gathered for the sold-out event presented by Lime One Capital, themed Strong Foundations: Building Futures with Purpose. While the evening marked a major fundraising milestone, its most powerful moments told a deeper story about what long-term stability and second chances can make possible.
One of those moments came through the story of Homes of Hope board member Emilian Onweazu, whose journey reflects the organization’s full-circle impact. After experiencing homelessness, she found stability through affordable rental housing, later achieved homeownership, and now helps guide the organization’s future as a member of its Board of Directors.
Her story, shared through video during the program, highlighted what can happen when safe housing is paired with consistent support and opportunity over time. It also comes at a critical moment for the Upstate, as Greenville County continues to face growing housing instability and increasing demand for affordable housing solutions.
“As housing affordability continues to challenge families across our community, this night was about more than celebration,” said Don Oglesby, CEO of Homes of Hope. “It was a commitment to creating pathways toward stability, dignity, and lasting change for individuals and families who need it most.”
The evening also featured a graduate of the Men’s Workforce Development program, who shared his personal journey from addiction to stability. Through hands-on construction training, mentorship, and accountability, he gained both employment and renewed purpose while helping build the very homes that families in the community depend on.
The stories shared throughout the evening reflected Homes of Hope’s unique dual-impact model, which addresses two urgent community needs simultaneously: increasing access to affordable housing and providing workforce training and recovery support for men overcoming drug and alcohol addiction.
Funds raised from the gala will directly support the construction of additional affordable homes and provide critical resources for job training, mentorship, and long-term stability programs. The need continues to grow across the Upstate, where housing advocates estimate the region still needs thousands of additional affordable housing units to meet current demand.
“For 28 years, Homes of Hope has seen what can happen when people are given both opportunity and support,” Oglesby said. “The impact extends far beyond housing. It strengthens families, restores lives, and builds healthier communities.”
Video footage featuring Emilian Onweazu’s story and a Men’s Workforce Development graduate is available for media use. Additional event photos and b-roll footage are also available upon request. Interviews with Homes of Hope leadership can be arranged.
About Homes of Hope
Homes of Hope is a nonprofit organization based in Greenville, SC, dedicated to providing affordable housing solutions and economic mobility opportunities to individuals and families in need. Since its founding in 1998, Homes of Hope has built 746 homes and graduated 343 men from the Men’s Workforce Development program, offering hope and a brighter future to the Greenville community. To learn more, please visit us at www.homesofhope.org.
