Habitat for Humanity Observes "World Habitat Day" at South Carolina State House

Nancy Lee, executive director of Habitat for Humanity South Carolina, addresses Secretary Fudge during a Stakeholder Roundtable in Columbia on August 30.

On October 4, 2021, Habitat for Humanity members alongside representatives from nine South Carolina counties gathered at the State House in Columbia in observation of World Habitat Day. State Leaders discussed how Habitat isn't just talking about the impact of homeownership, they are actively taking steps to make safe and decent housing affordable for all.

According to the 2020 Economic Impact Analysis, Habitat for Humanity South Carolina (www.southcarolinahabitat.org/) invested $33.5 million last year alone to raise awareness, educate, and mobilize individuals and communities to take action on the current global housing challenge.

"Habitat is a more affordable option than renting for families and has a greater economic impact on the state," stated Nancy Lee, executive director of Habitat for Humanity South Carolina. "Our work not only transforms individual households--it also creates jobs and strengthens our economy."

Lee recently participated in a Stakeholder Roundtable with Secretary Fudge where community leaders discussed the intersection of health and housing, and shared their concerns about how the lack of affordable housing contributes to instability, poor health and decreased economic opportunities for South Carolinians.

Through home construction, rehabilitation, repairs, housing finance, support services, and technical assistance, Habitat partnered with families and individuals to build and improve housing across the Palmetto State. The 2020 report determined that 10 jobs were created and $1.2 million was added to South Carolina's economy for every new home Habitat constructed last year. The collective work of South Carolina's 29 Habitat affiliates generated $22 million in wages and nearly $62 million of total economic impact.

In recognition of their contributions, State Representative Sylleste Davis (District 100, Berkeley County), presented a resolution to Habitat citing the organizations' role in working towards the nations goal to promote the basic right of all to have adequate shelter. Representative Davis also recognized a proclamation from Governor Henry McMaster, signed in advance of the event.

"Habitat for Humanity is more than just building houses, they bring communities together and make the dream of homeownership come true for those who feel it might be out of reach," said Kristine Foye, HUD Field Office Director. "I want to congratulate all the Habitat affiliates for making a difference in South Carolina."

For more information on World Habitat Day and how every home built and/or repaired has additional impacts that benefit state and industry, the full 2020 report is available at southcarolinahabitat.org/reports (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e95fe12ce432142a9a186b9/t/615b9c525837b41e256424a9/
1633393748688/Economic+Impact+Analysis_Habitat+for+Humanity+South+Carolina_2020.pdf).

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