SPOTLIGHT: Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity

Name of organization: Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity

Year established locally: 1985

Contact information:  
Main Office:  
209 S. Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-252-3570
Website: www.habitatcsc.org

ReStore: 
2814 Augusta Road
West Columbia, SC 29170
Phone:  803-936-0088 

Website: www.www.habitatcsc.org/about-the-restore

Corporate giving contacts:
Mary Louise Resch (Director of Philanthropy)
Phone: 803-992-9707
E-mail: Mary Louise Resch

Average number of volunteers in 2020: 100 (Per new home)
6-8 (Per repair project)

Total operating budget 2020-21: $2.7 million 

Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 93%

Geographic area or specific population served: Richland, Lexington and Fairfield counties.

Greatest need  
The coronavirus pandemic and soaring construction costs have negatively affected our ability to fundraise and build homes. Whether it’s a financial contribution, shopping at our ReStore or volunteering, Habitat is greatly appreciative of our communities' continued support during these challenging times. 

2021 Top achievements:

Despite the pandemic and soaring construction prices, Central SC Habitat for Humanity was able to accomplish so much due to the generous support of our donors and volunteers. 

•  Completion of five new home builds with two more in progress.
• Completion of six Neighborhood Revitalization projects with five more in the pipeline
• Distribution of 92,655 pieces of personal protection equipment to nonprofit and governmental agencies to prevent the spread of COVID-19
• Nomination as Best Nonprofit by readers of The State Newspaper
• A 100% rating by Charity Navigator (the highest score possible)
• Selection by Secretary of State Mark Hammond as one of South Carolina’s “Angel” Award winners for its fiscal responsibility and transparency (2019).

Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity has been partnering with people in Richland and Lexington counties for over 35 years, helping them build or improve a place they can call home. Working alongside volunteers, Habitat homeowners put in hundreds of “sweat equity” hours as they help build their own homes and pay an affordable mortgage. The self-empowerment created by this opportunity helps homeowner families eliminate barriers to a better, healthier and more financially stable life. We believe that with a little help, we all have the potential to stand on our own. In addition to building new homes, Habitat is helping to transform communities block-by-block as a Neighborhood Revitalization Affiliate. In neighborhoods where we are building, Habitat helps existing homeowners with minor repairs, community clean-ups, veterans’ repairs and Aging in Place.

2022 Goals:

• Increase the number of new homes and repair projects by 20% each year. 
• Revitalize neighborhoods in the Town of Lexington, West Columbia, Cayce and Richland County. 

2022 Fundraising events:

• Home for the Holidays Campaign in lieu of our 2021 gala, which was canceled due to COVID restrictions. Text-to-Give: HOMECSC to 44321 or donate through Give Lively at secure.givelively.org/donate/central-south-carolina-habitat-for-humanity.
• More Than a Home Gala – November of each year (COVID permitting). The impactful program includes a popular keynote speaker, mortgage shred, homeowner testimonies and typically draws 200-300 Midlands leaders, philanthropists and Habitat supporters.
• Boss of the Toss Cornhole Tournament – April 24, 2022, at Steel Hand Brewing  
• Annual Golf Tournament – May 2, 2022, at Fort Jackson Golf Club