January 2024 CSC Habitat Newsletter

JANUARY 2024

NEWSLETTER A REVIEW of some of our BIG accomplishments in 2023!

HOME CLOSINGS 6 Candidates were able to become HOMEOWNERS. This also means 8 children now have forever rooms of their own.

CONDUCTED FIRST- EVER PROJECT PLAY HOUSE FUNDRAISER Project Play House is a program designed to teach children the pride and joy of homeownership. All funds support Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization program.

9 Houses Sponsored 19 Children Impacted $27,000 Raised

NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION 1 Community Fair hosted in W. Columbia.

5 Home Repair Projects Completed = $19,750 in savings to homeowners.

6 Critical Home Repair Projects started.

2 Veteran Home Repair Projects started.

VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTIONS 5,811 total individual volunteer hours.

8,919 total group volunteer hours.

1,681 total hours completed by Candidate Homeowners.

262 were financial education 662.75 were on build/repair sites

209 S. SUMTER ST. COLUMBIA, SC 29201 MIDLANDSHABITAT.ORG 803-252-3570 Follow CSC Habitat's revitalization process on social media and in upcoming newsletters.

JANUARY 2024

NEWSLETTER

IMPACT REPORT COMPLETED

HOMEBUYER PROGRAM SUPPORT

94% of homeowners believe their Habitat home has improved their children’s future.

23 Candidate Homeowners assisted through Pantry Package program, 21 children.

90% of homeowners have more money/savings compared to when renting.

8 Free Wills completed.

5th Annual Giving Tree 14 families, 20 children , 298 gifts donated, 39 New sneakers provided by InnerSOLE

75% feel safer than where they previously lived.

89% of children that grow up in a Habitat home graduate from high school (higher than both the SC and national averages).

AN IMMEASURABLE AMOUNT OF THANK YOUS!!

209 S. SUMTER ST. COLUMBIA, SC 29201

MIDLANDSHABITAT.ORG

803-252-3570

JANUARY 2024

NEWSLETTER Staff Spotlight Emily Fernald, Homeowner Services Director Habitat team member since 2010 Tell us about your role as Homeowner Services Director I am responsible for managing all aspects of our homebuyer program, current homewoners, as well as overseeing the neighborhood revitalization program.

What motivates you in your position as Homeowner Services Director?

My biggest motivation is the candidate homeowners and seeing each of them reach their dream. The other staff see the candidates, but only at specific points; I get to see them through the entire process. I go through their struggles with them and see the hard work they put into this program.

How has the Homeowner Services Program evolved since you began?

I have grown the homeowner services committee, expanded our emphasis on financial education, and created a number of support programs like our food pantry, Giving Tree Event, and Wills Clinic.

Emily Fernald Homewoner Services Director

efernald@habitatcsc.org 803-726-0422

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to travel , attend concerts, hike with my two beagles, spend time with my husband and two step-sons, and upcycle furniture. I also love a good true crime podcast, show, or movie.

As an avid music fan, what is the best concert you’ve attended?

Wow, this is a tough one. Twenty One Pilots is my favorite band, I’ve seen them close to 15 times, and love their performances. However, Matt & Kim, Billy Strings, and Glass Animals put on amazing shows.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest professional moment has been presenting at the National Habitat for Humanity Affiliate Conference. Personally, it was driving cross-country with my oldest beagle, Mugsy. In four week, we camped in National Parks, HipCamped, stayed with friends and family, traveled over 13,000 miles, across 25 states, and Canada.

209 S. SUMTER ST. COLUMBIA, SC 29201

MIDLANDSHABITAT.ORG

803-252-3570

JANUARY 2024

NEWSLETTER Coming in Spring 2024

Additional congregations are needed!

Since its inception, Habitat for Humanity has been built on a foundation of faith. Our mission comes from a desire to put God’s love into action.

The tangible experiences that Habitat provides allow you to engage with those around you, live your faith. No experience is necessary to volunteer and all faith groups are welcome. We are certain that a difference will be made both in the lives of those you help as well as yourself.

When:

March - June 2024 Where: Lexington County

We are God’s hands and feet, here to serve others and show God’s love.

Register at habitatcsc.org/faithbuild2024 For more information, please contact Carl Cox at ccox@habtiatcsc.org, 803-726-0425 Follow CSC Habitat's revitalization process on social media and in upcoming newsletters.

OCTOBER 2023

NEWSLETTER

SHOP

DONATE

VOLUNTEER

2814 Augusta Road West Columbia, SC 29170 Monday - Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm https://www.habitatcsc.org/about-the-restore.html

Our donors do more than build homes. They are building a brighter future for generations!

Thank you for your support!

209 S. SUMTER ST. COLUMBIA, SC 29201

MIDLANDSHABITAT.ORG

803-252-3570