Two Upstate Habitat for Humanities come together for a joint build with BMW
November 6, 2024
Associates from BMW Manufacturing helped start a new Habitat for Humanity home on Ruddy Creek Circle Wednesday morning.
A wall raising is more than a ceremony that starts the process of building a new affordable home, said Monroe Free, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County. It is the important first step that unites the volunteers with the family who will be putting up drywall, nailing on shingles and painting walls with them over the next few months.
“This is a celebration that marks the start of the construction phase for a new home,” Free said. “It’s a time to recognize the hard work that goes into building affordable housing, and to celebrate the families who will soon move into their new homes.”
Raymond T. Davis, CEO of Habitat Spartanburg, said it is great to have community partners such as BMW to support the mission of affordable homeownership.
“Habitat Spartanburg is excited for this joint build with Habitat Greenville and BMW Manufacturing. We look forward to fulfilling our mission by sparking generational change and transforming our communities,” Davis said.
“BMW Manufacturing is proud to continue our partnership with Habitat for Humanity and support the important work they are doing in our community. The mission of Habitat aligns with our commitment to making a lasting impact through teamwork, service and stewardship. It’s an honor to work alongside the Habitat affiliates once again to not only build a house for a deserving family, but provide hope and opportunity to our community. Together, we are creating a better future for those who need it most,” said Max Metcalf, Manager of Government and Community Relations for BMW Manufacturing.
The people who will live in the home will be purchasing it, Free said. A common misconception is that the houses are donated.
In reality, Habitat’s homeowner preparation program includes courses in personal finance, budgeting, mortgages, credit, home maintenance and repair, conflict resolution, being a good neighbor, and others. In addition, the prospective homeowner and family members must be willing to complete a minimum of 200 hours of volunteer service to Habitat. Known as “sweat equity,” this includes working on the construction of the prospective homeowner’s home, other Habitat homes and possibly volunteering at other nonprofit organizations.
“Habitat offers an unparalleled opportunity to help families with low income attain homeownership,” Free said.
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 October 2024, Habitat Greenville has completed the construction of more than 410 homes. Habitat Greenville ReStores are located at 3033 Wade Hampton Boulevard in Taylors and 1818 Woodruff Road in Greenville. Call 864-312-5016 for free donation pickups. Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.
About Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg
Habitat Spartanburg started in 1987. As of October 2024, Habitat Spartanburg has completed the construction of 156 homes and currently has 2 builds under construction. Habitat Spartanburg builds primarily in the city of Spartanburg, but also has homes in the outskirts such as Boiling Springs, Chesnee, Greer, Inman, etc. Habitat Spartanburg uses volunteers (individuals, groups, families, clubs, churches, etc) to volunteer. Habitat Spartanburg ReStore is located at 2270 S. Pine Street in Spartanburg. Please call 864-591-2221 for free donation pick-ups. Learn more at www.habitatspartanburg.org.
About BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC
BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC is a subsidiary of BMW AG in Munich, Germany, and assembles the BMW X3, X5, X5 M and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles; the BMW X4, X4 M, X6 and X6 M Sports Activity Coupes; and the BMW XM. In addition to the South Carolina manufacturing facility, BMW Group North American subsidiaries include sales, marketing, and financial services operations in the United States, Canada and throughout Latin America; a manufacturing plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico; and a design firm and technology office in California. For more information on BMW Manufacturing, visit www.bmwusfactory.com.
