Impact Report 2024
Driving Impact
FROM THE CEO
If you’ve ever been in a car crash or seen one up close, the word “impact” can bring on negative feelings. At Homes of Hope, however, we think of “impact” as the beginning of generational, transformational change. Change that involves the lives of people and communities that we serve, and all of the people who, indirectly, are influenced or affected by those lives.
I’m thrilled that our work and mission, our organization and vision, and our staff, volunteers, and board are all working together towards this one goal. This Impact Report is meant to communicate that one thing.
Building 703 affordable, energy efficient, single-family homes over 26 years has resulted in much of this generational change that we work towards, and it has also given us additional opportunity—through caring property management and attempting to connect almost 1000 people residing in our homes to economic mobility resources—to achieve even greater impact beyond housing affordability.
In addition, serving 335 men who have graduated our Men’s Workforce Development program with marketable job skill training, Christian discipleship, and life-skills training that includes financial education, is equally generational and transformational.
This year, we’ve expanded our Men’s program, and we embark upon the development of over 200 additional affordable homes. We have also upgraded our staff capacity, continuing to grow ourselves while leading the way in innovation and excellence in all that we do.
The fact that you are reading this confirms you are either already a part of this work or are considering joining us. In either case, THANK YOU for linking arms with us as we commit to this generational change we all know is life transforming.
Don Oglesby President/CEO
Direction
Day-to-day teams providing skillful guidance, expertise, and execution of the Homes of Hope mission.
Visionary Teams
Homes of Hope wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our benefactors, advisors, and staff. Their shared commitment, vision and hard work are essential to our mission of providing affordable housing and opening doors to economic mobility.
2024-25 Board of Directors
PaulGaeto CHAIR Retired
AnnahW.Toates
IMMEDIATEPASTCHAIR ToatesLawFirm,LLC
ConnieWilliamson VICE-CHAIR Retired-RN
JackJamison Principal,BICatRealtyLink,LLC
TimW.Revis FOUNDER–EMERITUS
TotalQualityHomeBuilders,Inc./Total QualityLandSpecialist,LLC
ShirleyGambrell Retired
William(Bill)deKay RetiredTelecomIndustryEntrepreneur
MarioBrown
AffordableUpstate
MarySwain RetiredRN
Dr.ByronBattle,Sr. PastoratTabernacleBaptistChurch
TimBickel CSDStructuralEngineers
LizNiles Retired
TonyThomas
CommunityEngagementManager TheNorthsideDevelopmentGroup
BrianHersey Retired
Advisory Council Members - FY25
MattAlexander ParkerGroupDevelopment
DrakeSaylors WMGoodyearCo.
ValerieMiller MarchantCo
CraigStipes BroadstreetPartners,LLC
DeidraGraham Retired-Banker
BrianMcKay SperoFinancial Staff
Don Oglesby President/CEO
Sarah Clinkscales Spero Financial
Craig Williams Pathway Mortgage
Paul Gaughf Retired
Scott Kester Route 2 Capital
Moryah Jackson United Community Bank
Charnese Mangle SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities
Dawn Dowden Chief Operating Officer
Scott Williams Director of Real Estate Development
Denice Harris Director of Housing and Property Management
Steve Vicari Director of Men’s Workforce Development
Dania Beck Director of Resource Development
Jamie Shoemaker Director of Finance and Administration
Randall Wohlford Construction Manager
Shane Burdette Construction Site Superintendent
Kelly Brown Housing and Property Management Operations Manager
Nona Henderson Compliance Manager
Carlton Cruell Maintenance Manager
Amber Foster Property Management Manager
Kim Emerson Property Management Coordinator
Jenny Weidenbenner Resident Resource Coordinator
Eric Archibald Men’s Workforce Development Project Foreman
Lloyd Jackson Men’s Workforce Development Project Coordinator
Debi Abbott Donor Relations Manager
Lydia Harwood Annual Giving Manager
Keona N. Prude Grants and Communications Manager
Caroline Brezeale Special Events Coordinator
Kenny Richards Staff Accountant
Julie Aristizabal Administrative Coordinator
Support
Generous community of benefactors enabling Homes of Hope to make a difference.
Donor Spotlight: John Collier
“I have the highest regard for Homes of Hope. This ministry is absolutely remarkable and is impacting lives on many fronts. I have seen firsthand the lives and communities that have been changed by this great organization.
I had the opportunity to talk to a young man that went through the program and his testimony of how God changed him and gave him a brandnew life made such an impact on me.
“I love the vision of economic mobility. It is something I believe in, and I am passionate about. It has such a powerful impact on both men and women within the communities most in need. However, above all, I love that the heart of this organization is Jesus and greater than any financial or physical transformation, I love seeing this ministry empowered by the Holy Spirit being used to change hearts for eternity. It truly is an honor to serve and support this wonderful ministry.”
Grant Spotlight: Hathaway Family Foundation
“We support Homes of Hope in Greenville because they help provide affordable housing and teach important life skills, giving people a chance to build stable lives,” said Andrew Ross, Director of the Hathaway Family Foundation.
“Their work supports our goal of creating lasting change for families who are working hard to build successful lives.”
Sponsor Spotlight: Southern First
“Southern First’s mission is to Impact Lives,” said Cal Hurst, President at Southern First Bank. “We are proud to partner with Homes of Hope in this mission and are very grateful for their impact on economic mobility through housing, economic and workforce development. Many people in our communities are better off because Homes of Hope exists, and it is our honor to be a part of their story.”
Community Partnerships
Our community partnerships have been instrumental in the success of our Men’s Workforce Development program. Events such as a recent BBQ at Downtown Presbyterian Church, where our interns and Soteria participants gathered to connect with other men and foster spiritual growth, are invaluable. These partnerships provide our interns with opportunities to form meaningful relationships, gain insights from others, and strengthen their faith.
John Collier
Andrew Ross
Cal Hurst
Affordable Housing
Homes of Hope provides affordable housing units across SC and equips residents with vital community resources. By fostering stable living environments, we help families create pathways to lasting generational change.
HOPE Houses
HOPE Houses offer more than just a place to live—they provide a foundation for hope and stability for our lowest-income neighbors in Greenville County. Each home represents a fresh start, where families can feel safe, secure, and supported. By building these quality, energyefficient homes, we open doors to brighter futures, where financial burdens are eased, and new opportunities can flourish. Through the generosity of our community, donated land, the dedication of skilled hands from our Men’s Workforce Development program, and low-interest rate financing, HOPE Houses become a true beacon of possibility and resilience for those who need it most.
HOPE Houses are being built 2
Average number of times per month we were contacted by people in need of affordable housing 760 households are receiving access to community resources through email and social media 450
Housing and Property Management
Encouraging thriving communities while helping residents build long-lasting roots.
Our in-house property management team not only manages properties, but they also build strong relationships with our residents, ensuring a positive and supportive living experience.
affordable rental properties in 7 counties across the state of South Carolina 450
$104,038,872
total community investment since 1998
16 households are maintaining stable housing for 2+ years
rental and for sale homes in the pipeline 181
Partner Organizations
We partner with other organizations to provide various housing options, such as transitional and permanent housing. Our goal is to help individuals secure stable housing and build a better future.
Upstate Warrior Solution of households contain children 52% individuals/families are receiving Homes of Hope housing via partner organizations
307 residents went from renting to homeownership
3
Anderson Interfaith Ministries
Department of Mental Health
Front Porch Housing
Jasmine Road
Safe Harbor
Salvation Army
Triune Mercy Center
United Ministries
Accreditations and Memberships
Our Housing and Property Management department’s accreditations and memberships demonstrate our commitment to upholding the highest standards in affordable housing. These affiliations enhance our ability to leverage resources, collaborate with local leaders, and advocate for policies that increase housing access and stability in the communities we serve.
Certified CDC with SC Department of Commerce
South Carolina CHDO
Greenville County CHDO
Member of SCACED
Member of GAHC Steering Committee
Partner of Greenville Homeless Alliance rental and for sale homes since 1998
Member of Greenville Chamber of Commerce
Member of TogetherSC
Partner of Greater Good Greenville
A Second Chance: Marta Dixon
Marta Dixon, a longtime resident of Greenville and a mother of three daughters, Marta had faced many challenges before finding her way to Homes of Hope. For years, her family lived in a house that was far from ideal—it was cramped, uncomfortable, and lacked basic amenities like heat. Despite these difficult circumstances, Marta kept faith, working tirelessly and providing for her family while searching for a better life.
Marta first heard about Homes of Hope through her community, but it wasn’t until she was introduced to Denice Harris, the Director of Housing & Property Management at Homes of Hope, that her life began to change. Marta describes her interaction with Denice as heartfelt and genuine. She appreciated that Denice was not just offering assistance but was truly invested in helping her find the perfect home for her family. Marta recalls how Denice matched her with a house, taking the time to find a space that would truly meet her needs.
When Marta and her family first walked into their new home, the sense of relief was immediate. The spaciousness, the beautiful setup of the kitchen, and having their own laundry room were luxuries Marta had not had in a long time. The change was profound—not just in physical space but in the emotional and mental well-being of her family. Her daughters were overjoyed,
each excited to finally have their own rooms where they could express themselves and have privacy. The house offered more than just shelter—it became a sanctuary, a place where the family could come together and find peace.
In Marta’s words, a home is where “you can put the scattered pieces of life back together.” It’s a place of refuge and restoration, and it gave her family the space they needed to breathe and thrive. Her daughters, who had once been crammed into small spaces, now had room to grow, which had a noticeable impact on their personalities and interactions with each other.
Beyond the immediate benefits, affordable housing through Homes of Hope gave Marta and her family a sense of security and a future to look forward to. Marta emphasizes that this journey wasn’t just about finding a roof over their heads—it was about creating stability, independence, and the chance for her daughters to live in a space where they could dream and flourish.
Marta, who works as a general manager at Chicken Salad Chick, reflects on the second chance she received, crediting God, Homes of Hope, and herself for the transformation in her life. She believes that the support she received has not only changed her family’s present circumstances but has also planted seeds of hope that will bless future generations.
Her gratitude toward Homes of Hope’s donors is palpable. She expresses how their contributions have made a difference in ways they may never fully see, impacting families like hers and creating lasting change. Marta’s message is clear—what Homes of Hope provides is more than just housing; it’s the gift of a new life, a second chance, and the opportunity to turn a difficult past into a hopeful future.
TESTIMONIALS
Shakina Norton
Affordable housing impacted my family’s life pretty dramatically. With a stable and affordable home, my children could focus on school and extracurricular activities without the constant worry of safety. It allowed me to be present for them, attending games and practices without the burden of overdue bills or rent we had to save up for. It allowed me to provide a roof over their heads and a comfortable safe place for us to land.
Inez Morris
I love the peace and comfort of my home and the friendliness of the neighborhood. I also like how close to downtown it is!
Men’s Workforce Development
Our comprehensive year-long program equips men in recovery by providing job training, Christian discipleship, and essential life skills development. By helping them break the cycle of addiction, we provide opportunities for them to create stable futures.
New Annex Advances Our Mission
Providing a comfortable home for four additional interns during times of transition.
Our Men’s Workforce Development Program has made a meaningful leap forward with the opening of a new annex, allowing us to support four additional men on their journey toward independence. This facility offers a true-to-life living environment for interns as they transition into the work phase of their internship. The MWD interns were instrumental in the construction process, gaining hands-on experience in building, wiring, and finishing the house. This achievement was made possible by the generous support of our donors.
Groundbreaking April 4, 2023
Insulation/Sheetrock/Paint
Jan/Feb 2024
Windows/Doors Nov 2023
Walls Started Oct 2023
Electrical Nov/Dec 2023
Donors
Arnold & Kristie Kimmons
Ash & Karen Patel
Buncombe St. Methodist Church
Cindy Williams
Craig & Ashley Stipes
Drake Saylors
Dwayne & Beth Drake
Eva Drake
Fellowship Greenville
Fluor Corporation
Fluor Employees
Golf for Greenville
GreenvilleTechnicalCollege
GregHyndsResponsive StewardFund
HathawayFamily Foundation
JasperCannon
Jim&DebraStephenson
JohnCollier
JoyRishe
KendraJackson
Matt&VirginiaAlexander
MeritTechnologies
Michael Foster
Miracle Hill Ministries
New Horizon Family Health
Services
Resurgent Capital Services
Rick & Sylvia Hammett
Robbie & Paige Haney
SC Department of Social Services
Tim & Jennifer Bickel
Tim & Lisa Revis Travis Wharton
United Ministries United Way of Greenville County Valerie & Chuck Miller
Viper Electric
Flooring Mar 2024
Cabinets Feb 2024
Finishes Apr 2024
Dedication May 17, 2024
First Move-In May 2024
A Father’s Journey of Redemption, Reunion: Rico Montoya
Men’s Workforce Development Graduate Living in Greenville, South Carolina
Rico Montoya’s journey from addiction to fatherhood is a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and the transformative impact of Homes of Hope’s Men’s Workforce Development (MWD) program. An August 2024 graduate of the MWD program, Rico’s story from addiction to stability has been marked by faith, resilience, and the unwavering support of Homes of Hope.
After years of struggle, Rico’s commitment to change was supported by the MWD program’s holistic approach. Recognizing his growth and potential, his current employer, Black Stream Property Management, waited five months for him to complete the program, providing not only a job with full benefits, but also a fully furnished affordable place to call home for him and his children. This stability has given Rico the chance to reunite with his sons, a blessing he once thought impossible. He treasures the moments spent in laughter, playing and wrestling with his boys and their dog, a simple yet profound symbol of the new life he’s building.
Rico’s passage has been marked by profound personal growth. Amidst addiction, he tragically lost his mother, yet he continued to lean on his faith, finding hope and purpose
in his walk with God. “God just does not stop giving,” he reflects, recognizing that each step forward has been guided by a renewed trust and commitment to living a life of purpose.
Today, Rico’s heart is a true home of hope. This is the cleanest he’s been since he was 14, and he is filled with excitement for his life’s new trajectory. Having reunited with his sons, he is now able to be the father he once needed himself.
Guided by Homes of Hope mentors, he learned invaluable lessons in responsibility, patience, and faith. Their support helped him develop soft skills such as punctuality, effective communication, and emotional control.
These skills, which Rico
View Rico’s video story about addiction, what brought him to Homes of Hope, and his journey in the MWD program. Scan the QR code at right or visit homesofhope.org/rico.
TESTIMONIALS
Cade Cope
Because of Homes of Hope and the donors that make it possible I have a brand new life!
believes are even more impactful than technical training, have shaped his character and equipped him to be a compassionate and reliable employee, father, and community member.
Rico Montoya, a proud MWD graduate sitting in the Annex sharing life updates and reflecting on his journey since completing the program.
In his words, “Home to me is a safe haven, a place of peace that God has prepared.” Rico’s gratitude extends to the Homes of Hope donors, whose contributions have made transformations like his possible. He credits their generosity with creating the financial foundation for Homes of Hope’s work, allowing individuals like him to find stability, purpose, and a renewed connection with their families.
Rico’s story serves as a powerful testament to the possibility of generational change, showing how a supportive community can help individuals rise above adversity and rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
My son will get to experience the power of generational change because of this program! When I graduate my hopes are that my son will be scurrying around the house and that he will get to see me following God and modeling that for him.
Joe Watson
My mom was in addiction and thanks to Homes of Hope my future wife and I are going to stop the cycle early and step into the generational change that Homes of Hope has offered as we one day will have a family of our own. Homes of Hope has helped me launch my life in a trajectory I could never imagine.
Bridging the Gap
Ezekiel 22:30 talks about standing in the gap in a sense of taking a position on a battlefield in place of a wounded brother or sister in Christ. At Homes of Hope, we use “bridging the gap” as a play on “standing in the gap”—a powerful testament to the collective impact made possible by our donors, funders, partners, and community. Each contribution serves as a vital connection, bringing our mission to life and fueling lasting generational change.
Cleaning Up After Hurricane Helene
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our community came together to support those impacted by the storm. Thanks to the incredible efforts of Grace Church, Downtown Presbyterian, Buncombe Street Methodist, Fellowship Greenville, local news outlets, and many others we were able to mobilize a massive volunteer effort. Together, we cleared debris from over 30 properties. These partnerships are crucial in bridging the gap and helping our community recover.
Real Estate Development
Our financial partners—lenders, donors, and foundations such as the Mary Black Foundation— bridge the gap by providing essential support that directly fuels our mission to offer affordable housing and pathways to economic mobility. By expanding real estate opportunities, we create sustainable housing solutions that lay the groundwork for brighter futures, with plans to build over 145 homes in the coming year.
Annual Golf Classic
Partners like Northend Private Wealth Management’s sponsorship of our annual golf tournament directly support our programs like Men’s Workforce Development. Their commitment enables us to provide comprehensive training, job placement, and life skills education for men rebuilding their lives. Additionally, their dedication allows us to expand awareness about Homes of Hope and our efforts to forge pathways to generational change.
Donor Advised Funds
Making a gift through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is a great way to support Homes of Hope; and we have an exciting way for you to make your philanthropic dollars make an even bigger impact!
Through a partnership with Abundance Capital, we can now leverage dollars from your DAF to provide HOH with a low-interest rate loan to aid us in our mission to build affordable housing. Give us a call if you’d like to hear more about how you can leverage giving through your DAF.
Quarterly Micro-Grants
This past year, we awarded micro-grants to residents seeking support for a personal/professional development goal or a community/neighborhood project. Amounts ranged from $250 to $375.
January
Cheryl Cash-Evans | Supporting QueenB’s Charities, a nonprofit located in Clinton, SC, serving the homeless community.
Inez Morris | Hosting an inaugural Spring Reading Festival in West Greenville.
Mary McKinnney | Taking her CPC exam and obtaining an AAPC Membership to further support her medical and coding career in Greenville, SC.
April
Kathy Moore | Assisting in the creation of a website for her small business, Catch N’ Grow Hair Products in Greenville, SC.
Brandy English | Obtaining her Doula Certification in Anderson, SC.
Annual Spring Gala
Park National Bank’s sponsorship of our annual gala plays a crucial role in bridging the gap in our fundraising efforts. Their generous support not only fuels the success of the event but also strengthens our capacity to provide affordable housing and economic mobility resources to those in need. With partners like Park National Bank, we are empowered to make lasting impact in our communities.
July
Tiffany Shippy | Obtaining her nursing school clinical skills check-off in Greenville, SC.
Krystal Henry | Starting a small kidsactivity business in Greenville, SC, called Ka’Jumpy Bus. Funds will help support her ability to host more kid classes and camps.
How to Help
Donate
Online: homesofhope.org/support - OR - scan the code below
Stocks/DAF: homesofhope.org/support/stock-gifts
By Mail:
Homes of Hope 3 Dunean Street Greenville, SC 29611
Donations are tax deductible in accordance with the law.
Pray
As we strive to make a lasting impact, your prayers are essential. Please sign up on our website for our e-newsletter to stay updated on prayer requests and how to support our mission.
Volunteer
Want to make a difference? Sign up on our website for our e-newsletter to learn about volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
Follow Us on Social Media
@homesofhopesc
