Habitat for Humanity of South Carolina

Established as the state support office in 2012, Habitat for Humanity South Carolina is a nonprofit housing organization that brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. The affiliate support organization expands the capacity of 23 local affiliates through advocacy, resource development, education and training, and disaster services. Habitat affiliates have built, repaired, and rehabilitated 5,741 homes across 42 counties since 1978.

Habitat for Humanity’s work extends far beyond individual households, impacting jobs and the economy across the state of South Carolina. Habitat invests in communities statewide by helping households earning between 30-80% of the area median income access and sustain responsible, affordable homeownership. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through home construction, rehabilitation, repairs, housing finance, support services, and technical assistance, Habitat partners with families and individuals to build and improve a place to call home. Paying an average monthly mortgage of $500 for a three-bedroom home, our partners are participants in building a better home and future for themselves and their families. 

According to the Out of Reach Report 2021, the fair market rent for a three-bedroom unit is $1,225. Habitat is a more affordable option than renting for families and has a greater economic impact on the state. Every Habitat home is both an investment and an answer to a critical need. Stronger homes create stronger communities.

Habitat for Humanity South Carolina’s 2020 Economic Impact Analysis utilized IMPLAN economic modeling software and an independent party to determine that the Habitat network invested $33.6 million in South Carolina. The analysis identified that Habitat supported over $22 million in labor income and created nearly $62 million of total economic activity throughout the state. In addition, federal, state, and local governments benefited from $8.7 million in tax revenue produced from constructing and repairing houses. At the state and local levels, these taxes include such items as Social Security taxes for employees, sales taxes, and taxes on motor vehicle licenses. At the federal level, these include excise taxes, customs taxes, and corporate profit taxes. 

Through the work of the collective Habitat network across the Palmetto State, South Carolinians are able to access affordable and workforce homeownership opportunities. Habitat for Humanity South Carolina is proud and honored to support the work that occurs in local communities via its commitment to assist affiliates with advocacy, resource development, training, and disaster services.