Our mission
Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry that builds simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with Spartanburg families. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to join us in building houses together in partnership with families in need. Almost always first time homeowners, these families contribute hundreds of hours of “sweat equity” and pay a 20 year, no interest mortgage. Thus, Habitat offers a hand up and not a hand out.Habitat for Humanity International was established in 1977 with the ultimate mission of eliminating poverty housing around the world and making decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Internationally, Habitat has thus far built over 200,000 houses in more than 3,000 communities worldwide.
Our local Habitat affiliate celebrates its 21st anniversary this year and has built over 80 houses in Spartanburg since its founding in 1987. Concerned citizens from First Presybterian and Westminster Presbyterian churches joined together to found the affiliate in order to improve the living conditions of Spartanburg families.
We have been building homes at a rate of four per year over the last several years and our focus now is on increasing the number of homes we are able to build each year in order to serve more Spartanburg families. We built four homes in Spartanburg in 2007, and intend to build seven more in 2008.
Click here to view a video of our Denny’s Build from September 2007. Over 150 Denny’s employees worked on the construction site for a single day, simultaneously working on four different Habitat homes in our West Henry Street neighborhood.
The need for simple, basic, affordable housing is great in Spartanburg. When a family qualifies for a Habitat home by demonstrating a) need, b) the ability to pay the mortgage and c) willingness to partner with us, we build their home together, in partnership. We not only build homes- it has been demonstrated time and time again that we change lives, especially the lives of the children who, perhaps for the first time, have a safe, nurturing environment in which to grow and learn.We welcome your help and encourage you to:
- Pray for our mission.
- Make a monetary donation.
- Donate land suitable for building Habitat homes.
- Donate items to, and shop in, our Home Store at 2270 S. Pine Street.
- Become a volunteer helping to build a house, working in our ReStore or perhaps serving on a committee.
