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One notable exception is the work this community has provided through Habitat for Humanity. The nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry seeks to eliminate substandard housing and homelessness and break the cycle of poverty fostered by inadequate housing.
Lowcountry Habitat for Humanity based in Beaufort reached a joyous milestone last week when its 30th home was dedicated. A single mother with three young children now has a nice place for her family to call home at a price she can afford.
We should use this celebration as a chance to pause to see how this happened.
Go to the beginning in 1990 when two Habitat for Humanity affiliates opened in Beaufort County. Particularly for the Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity based in Bluffton, those first volunteers and advocates had to look beyond the scoffers who thought there was no need for affordable housing in a community known for its wealth.
Thankfully, both local affiliates persisted and thrived. Well more than 100 Habitat homes have been built in Beaufort County, and the local organizations now serve Jasper County.
None of this would be possible without widespread community support, from volunteer workers, donors, fundraisers and businesses. Both local agencies depend on income from resale stores, which always need donations of gently used home furnishings, a wide variety of construction materials and other household items.
Lowcountry Habitat's 30th home at the corner of Prince and Hamer streets in downtown Beaufort shows what is involved in the Habitat movement. The home sits on land donated by Beaufort County. It was built with at least 250 hours of sweat equity from the recipient, as well as resources and volunteers from more than 10 local churches. That's why it is called "The Faith House."
That is the roll-up-the-sleeves team effort it takes to address the needs of residents who earn between 30 percent and 70 percent of the median income.
As a result, Habitat builds more than houses; it builds communities. It will take continued help from people and organizations throughout the Lowcountry if more milestones are to be reached.
Habitat needs land. "Without land, we simply cannot fulfill our mission of eliminating substandard housing everywhere it exists in our area," states the Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity Web site. "We ask that those individuals in the community who have knowledge of land available to donate or sell at a reasonable price contact our office."
As "The Faith House" shows, Habitat can show tangible results when enough people pitch in to help.
