GREENVILLE, S.C. – After helping more than 400 families move into new homes over the past four decades, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County home dedications would seem to become standard practice.
They never do, and this week was no different. The McRae and Barksdale families moved into their homes in the Heritage Hills section of the Nicholtown community Tuesday, and this was a special and unique journey for both on their path to home ownership. Since work started on their homes in February, both families performed more than 200 hours of sweat equity in their houses and completed 25 hours of personal finance training, home maintenance, and safety classes.
They were aided in their path by the leaders and staff members of 33 Greenville businesses who took part in the 11th Habitat Greenville CEO Build.
“Our local business leaders have helped drive the phenomenal growth our county has experienced over the past several years,” said Jane Harrison Fisher, chairwoman of the 2023 CEO Build as well as Chief Operating Officer with Coldwell Banker Caine. “Now, they got to take that impact and localize it for two families.”
Monroe Free, President and CEO of Habitat, said while Greenville continues to grow and attract new businesses and residents, not everyone is able to take part in the success. Studies show that one in five Greenville County residents struggle to find affordable housing options.
CEO and companies taking part were: Rob Crowder of AFL; Scott Weaver of Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union; Bob Morris of Community Foundation of Greenville; John Boyanoski of Complete PR; Stephen Davis of Davis and Floyd; Phil Howard of Ethox Chemicals; Chris Bailey of Greater Greenville Association of Realtors; Tommy Jenkins of Greenville Maintenance Services; Todd Mackin of the Greenville Swamp Rabbits; Dr. Keith Miller of Greenville Technical College; Randall Bentley of Lee & Associates; Seabrook Marchant of Marchant Real Estate; Todd Malo of Mavin Construction; Kerri Paulino of Meritage Homes; Andy Goldy of North American Rescue; Hank McCullough of Piedmont Natural Gas; Cathy Caldwell of Renewable Water Resources; Chris Heard of Sage Automotive Interiors; Josh Convington of QLM and Southern Harmony; Brian McKay of Spero Financial; Steve Spinks of Spinx; David Lominack of TD Bank; Randy Hunter of Terminix; Delisa English of The Blood Connection; Douglas Dietz of The Reynolds Company; Michelle Seaver of United Community Bank; Megan Barp of United Way of Greenville; Euleta Alston of US&S; Steve Magruder of Warehouse Services and Kirsten Zinkann of Kirsten Zinkann Real Estate.
“Stable and affordable housing has significant long-term impacts on the success and health of children, the ability for families to elevate their socioeconomic status, the investment returned to the community, and so much more,” Free said. “Thankfully, for the past 11 years, thoughtful and caring local leaders have stepped up to address this issue head-on through innovative efforts such as the CEO Build.”
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 May 2023, Habitat Greenville has completed the construction of 405 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. Habitat Greenville ReStores are located at 3033 Wade Hampton Boulevard in Taylors and 1818 Woodruff Rd., Greenville, SC 29607. Call 864-312-5016 for free donation pickups.
Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.