April 2024 Newsletter

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

Since its inception, Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity has been built on a foundation of faith. The 2024 “Faith Build” has brought together seven faithbased organizations and a family foundation to build a new home for homeowner, Lucinda, and her family The build commenced with a “First Nail” ceremony on March 19th in West Columbia.

“In these days of high rent, giving people a better alternative with their money can encourage them Our hopes and prayers for our Habitat homeowner and her family is that they would know of God’s care for them through the church” says Rev. Dr Ben Sloan of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, the lead sponsor on the build.

Lucinda completed the Habitat program with over 460 hours of sweat equity and has always remained positive and determined, despite the many hardships faced while in the program. When asked why she wants to be a homeowner, Lucinda said, “Owning my own home will add a sense of security and stability for my children. It will allow me to put my money towards something that will be all mine ”

Thank You to our Faith Build Sponsors!

HABITAT BUILDS MORE THAN A HOME

Habitat Food Pantry

The Food Lion pantry packages are sponsored by Food Lion Feeds and are open to those currently completing the Habitat program. Candidates are welcome to request a pantry package each month. The packages contain staple items like dry and canned goods, paper products, snacks, and laundry pods. The pantry was created to assist candidates with support while they continue to work on their savings and clearing any debt Since 2019, nearly 6,000 items have been distributed, serving approx 4-8 households on average per month

Financial Literacy

Habitat homeowner candidates are required to complete a 4-part intensive financial education series, presented by South State Bank Candidates also complete monthly individual financial counseling with Security Federal Bank.

In 2023, we added the community financial series in partnership with Truist Bank. Truist has designed a 4-part

homeowner financial readiness series, which Habitat hosts quarterly, and is open to the public. The Truist series is still in the testing phase with about 5-10 candidates and public attendees each session.

Arden Elementary School Career Day

In March, we were so honored to be a part of Arden Elementary’s Career Day along with local police, firefighters, EMS, and other organizations. Close to 100 students from the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade stopped by our table to learn the career paths that our Neighborhood Revitalization team members Samuel and Michael have taken and what eventually brought them to construction and housing.

They were also able to participate in an activity of guessing the length and then learning to measure 2x4 pieces, how to use a screw gun, and at the end they signed the boards, just like volunteers on the builds do. So fun!

HOME TIPS, TRICKS & IDEAS

Vegetable Gardening Tips for cultivating in the Midlands (Zone 8)

Here in the Midlands, we are lucky that vegetables can be grown from mid spring to mid fall in our gardens. Vegetable gardening is a very satisfying activity and is a great way to introduce youngsters to the joy of gardening Here are some steps to follow to ensure success in the vegetable garden

Test and Amend the Soil

Always have the soil tested in your garden. A soil sample can be dropped off at the local County Extension office for testing or at some local garden centers. There are many different types of soil in Zone 8 and the results of the test will help determine which nutrients to add to the garden area before planting

Prepare the Garden Plot

Make sure to till the garden area to a depth of at least 6-8 inches. Spread the amendments on top of the soil and dig them to a depth of 3-4 inches. The roots will absorb these nutrients so you want to make them available to the proper root level.

Select the Proper Plants

As in all gardening, to be successful, you must choose the right plant for the right place. Cool season vegetables that thrive in Zone 8 are: lettuce, broccoli, carrots, spinach, onions, arugula, collards, cabbage. Warm season crops include tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, squash, beets, beans, cucumbers, potatoes.

Maintenance of the Vegetable Garden

Wedding is an unfortunate but essential aspect of vegetable gardening. There are may ways to weed: by hand or using a hoe. Choose the method that best suits you. Birds and squirrels are also attracted to vegetable gardens, so, some plants may have to be tented with a fine mesh to keep the vegetables for the gardener.

Have a wonderful time gardening this season and we wish you a bountiful harvest!

SPOTLIGHT STAFF

Brittani Richards, Development Director

In 2014, Brittani Richards joined the CSC Habitat staff as the Grants Manager and became the Director of Development in the fall of 2022.

Tell us about your role as Development Director.

Brittani Richards Development Director

brichards@habitatcsc.org

803-726-9126

In my role as Development Director, I oversee the operations of the Development Department and collaborate with our esteemed Board of Directors and Executive Director to secure funding through various fundraising efforts and grant applications. Additionally, I am tasked with managing all aspects of grant writing and reporting for our organization.

What motivates you in your position.

Our candidate homeowners serve as a source of motivation for me On difficult days of fundraising, I am reminded of the importance of perseverance. I highly value their dedication, diligence, and resilience in striving towards homeownership and breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy reading fiction novels and watching Marvel movies.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

My favorite vacation spot is San Juan, Puerto Rico I adore the beautiful beaches and culture.

What is your proudest achievement?

One of my greatest accomplishments was obtaining my Master's degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina in 2013. Coming from a single-parent household, my mother was unable to finish her own Master's program at USC due to the demands of parenthood and employment Therefore, when I walked across that stage in 2013, it was a moment for both of us to cherish.

THE IMPACT OF AFFORDABLE HOMEWONERSHIP

Homeownership impacts individuals, families and communities in ways that renting does not Habitat’s program is unique from other affordable housing programs in that it focuses on homeownership. The Habitat program is designed to be a long-term solution for breaking the low-income housing cycle. In this newsletter, we’ll touch on some of the Financial Benefits from our 2023 local homeowner questionnaire.

Homeownership Savings

The

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

$511 Avg. Monthly Habitat mortgage

$1,339 Non-Habitat Monthly Mortgage

Savings= $828 per month/ $9,936 per yr./ $246,217 in total savings.

Based on the median Habitat home sold price of $225,000 in fiscal year 2022-2023. Non-Habitat mortgage based on a 25 yr mortgage with 20% down payment at 6 2% interest

WAYS TO HELP

DRIVE THE NAIL

Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Midlands Gives is a year-round initiative to support the work of local nonprofits and celebrate the philanthropists in our community This includes an annual, high-energy 18 hour online giving event, known as Midlands Gives Day.

Midlands Gives Day

Mark your calendar - Midlands Gives Day is May 7, 2024 from 6:00a.m. - 11:59:59 p.m.

Early giving is now open! Your support is greatly appreciated now or on May 7th!