Seven faith-based organizations contributed hundreds of volunteer hours outside of the church walls to truly serve the needs of others and put God’s love into action. Leaders from the City of West Columbia were also engaged and have been very supportive of Habitat’s efforts to revitalize the Happy & Sugar Town neighborhoods. Lucinda and her family were wrapped in a spirit of love, both figuratively and literally, and we have been equally inspired by her perseverance and positive outlook.
Our 2024 Faith Build concluded with a Home Dedication that was full of spirit and joy as homeowner, Lucinda and her daughter, aptly named Faith, cut the ribbon on their new home. Lucinda went through many hardships while in the Habitat program, both financially and personally, but, refused to let the circumstances dictate the outcome She pressed forward, always finding the bright side and did so with a frequent laugh and smile described as contagious by others.
Thank You to our Faith Build Sponsors!
West Metro Clergy
Logan Lap Quilters presenting Lucinda with a quilt.
AUGUST 2024 NEWSLETTER
During the past fiscal year (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024), we experienced remarkable growth and progress. Our generous donors, dedicated volunteers and resilient families worked together to build stronger households and enhance neighborhoods that foster success for everyone.
Fiscal Year 2023 - 2024 Accomplishments
Home Construction
Completed four (4) homes, with two (2) additional homes in progress.
Home Repairs
Completed seventeen (17) repairs for homeowners in target neighborhoods
New Office Building
After over 30 years at 209 S. Sumter Street, we began transitioning to a new office located at 1831 Superior Street in Columbia. The new office will allow us to better serve our staff, Habitat program, board and community meeting space needs We reflect on our time at 209 S. Sumter St., with many cherished memories and look to forward to the next chapter at 1831 Superior St. with excitement and hope. Renovations on the new office will begin in August.
209 S. Sumter St. Office
1831 Superior St. Office
Renovations to begin in August
New homeowner, Jazenia
New homeowner, Suzanne
New homeowner, Marlene
New homeowner, Laura
AUGUST 2024 NEWSLETTER
Habitat Financial Benefits
Below are the incredible savings for Habitat homeowners during fiscal year 2023 - 2024 compared to purchasing the same home through a non-Habitat, traditional mortgage.
Savings= $1,005 per month/ $12,060 per yr./ $301,500 in total savings.
Based on the median Habitat home sold price of $194,000. Traditional, non-Habitat mortgage based on a 30- yr. mortgage at 7.03% interest (avg. when homes sold).
284 Midlands homeowners have received the keys to affordable homeownership since 1985.
Although, not a requirement for eligibility, the majority of Habitat homeowners have children who experience many positive outcomes of growing up in a stable home.
HOME
TIPS, TRICKS & IDEAS
Air Conditioning Check-Up
Summer Maintenance
Pressure Washing
Summer is a great time to pressure wash the deck, pool area, patio, driveways and the front porch of your home. Pressure washing has also been known to pay off big-time when it comes time to sell your house. According to the National Association of Realtors®, you can expect to add $10,000 to $15,000 to the sales price after pressure-washing exterior siding
Your air conditioner works overtime in the summer, so now’s the time to make sure everything is running smoothly. Make sure you’re regularly switching out disposable filters that fill up quickly with dust and debris.
Exterior Maintenance
Check your landscaping for overgrown trees and shrubs, especially if they are hanging over the home and trim them down. If you need to do some serious trimming, call in the tree professionals. With the increase in traffic coming and going outside, summer is a perfect time to check up on your doors A little bit of wear and tear over time is to be expected, but eventually, you might need a new door. Inspect windows for any leaks, where cool air may be escaping. Adding weatherstripping is also a simple DIY task most homeowners can handle independently with a few basic tools and inexpensive materials
Interior Ceiling Fans
.Homeowners should clean ceiling fans and change them to a counterclockwise rotation in warm months. This will help drive cool air toward the floor and cool a room’s temperature.
SPOTLIGHT STAFF
Kevin Oliver, ReStore General Manager
In 2021, Kevin Oliver joined the CSC Habitat staff as the ReStore General Manager Donations to and shopping at the ReStore supports our mission of building affordable housing in the Midlands of SC.
Kevin Oliver ReStore General Manager
koliver@habitatcsc org 803-936-0088
For more information about the ReStore:
https://www habitatcsc org/a bout-the-restore html
Tell us about your role as the ReStore General Manager
We have a great staff who handles the day to day operations of the store, so my role is oversight and planning, working with our donors and our vendors to maximize the store’s potential as a fundraising arm of Central SC HFH. I most enjoy the interactions with our customers and donors.
What motivates you in your position.
I’ve worked in retail management for over 30 years, but working for Habitat For Humanity allows me to use that experience in the service of a great cause, not just a corporation’s stockholders I’m motivated by working with our future homeowners and seeing the sense of achievement when they get to move into their new home.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’m active in my church, Mt. Tabor Lutheran in West Columbia, where I sing in the choir. I’m also a member of the Lexington County Choral Society I've sung choral music in school and community choirs for over 40 years. My hobby is collecting and listening to music of all kinds.
As an avid music fan, what’s the best concert you’ve ever attended?
My all-time favorite would have to be Bruce Springsteen, who I’ve seen in concert over a dozen times over the past 35+ years any of those shows I’d rank among the best I’ve ever seen.
What is your proudest achievement?
Celebrating 31 years of marriage this September and raising two kids into adulthood.
