State Farm presents
The Pickens County Habitat for Humanity
HOME Challenge
What’s the HOME Challenge All About?
Get ready to tackle a real-world problem that affects your community! The Pickens County Habitat for Humanity HOME Challenge, sponsored by State Farm, invites high school students to take on the issue of affordable housing right here in Pickens County.
This isn’t just another school project—it’s your chance to think outside the box, come up with creative solutions, and make a real difference. Whether you fly solo or team up with up to four friends, you’ll work on ideas to improve housing affordability, accessibility, and sustainability. Along the way, you’ll pick up valuable skills, connect with mentors, and compete for awesome prizes.
Your Mission: Innovative Solutions for Affordable Housing
Focus on one or more of these key areas:
- New Building Technologies: Imagine eco-friendly, affordable ways to build homes.
- Community Planning Strategies: Design neighborhoods that are sustainable and inclusive.
- Fundraising Campaigns: Think of creative ways to raise money for housing projects.
- Policy Advocacy Efforts: Propose new policies to improve housing options in Pickens County.
Who Can Join?
The HOME Challenge is open to all high school students in Pickens County. Join as an individual or form a team of up to five members. This is your chance to step up and make your mark!
Don’t worry—you won’t be alone! Habitat staff and volunteers will be there to guide you every step of the way. They’ll offer feedback, answer questions, and help you shape ideas into real solutions.
Mark Your Calendar
Here’s a quick look at what’s happening:
- January 10: Challenge kickoff! Details shared with schools and online.
- March 14: Kick-off Event at the Habitat Office—meet mentors and brainstorm.
- March 21: Registration deadline.
- April 30: Final submission deadline.
- May 17: Final Presentation and Award Ceremony—showcase your ideas and celebrate!
Ready to create change? Let’s get started!
Prizes
We’re celebrating your hard work in style! Awards will be given in two categories: Teams and Individuals, so everyone has a fair shot at the spotlight. Whether you're flying solo or working with a crew, there’s a chance to win big and show off your brilliance. Let’s see who will take home the top honors!
Team Awards
- First Place: $400
- Second Place: $300
- Third Place: $200
Individual Awards
- First Place: $300
- Second Place: $200
- Third Place: $100
Events
Kick-off Event
The challenge kicks off in mid-March 2025 with an engaging event at the Habitat Office. Participants will:
- Learn about affordable housing basics and local challenges in Pickens County.
- Dive into competition categories, criteria, and expectations.
- Meet Habitat staff and mentors who will provide guidance throughout the challenge.
This is your chance to start strong, brainstorm ideas, and connect with others passionate about making a difference!
Final Presentation and Award Ceremony
The challenge wraps up with a public awards ceremony in mid-May 2025, where:
- Winning projects will be showcased to community members and stakeholders.
- Students’ creativity and advocacy efforts will be celebrated.
- Prizes will be awarded to recognize outstanding submissions.
This event highlights the incredible work of participants and raises awareness about the importance of affordable housing.
How to Register
- Choose Participation Type: Decide whether to participate individually or as part of a team (up to 5 members).
- Complete your Forms: Waiver of Liability and Volunteer Code of Conduct
- Register Online: Visit [Insert Registration Link] by late March 2025 to sign up.
- Attend the Kick-off Event: Join us in mid-March 2025 to get started.
Resources for Students
Tools and Tips for Creating Videos
Creating a compelling video is an excellent way to share your innovative ideas effectively. Here are some tools and tips to help you produce a standout presentation:
- Video Editing Apps: Edit your footage seamlessly using apps like iMovie, Adobe Premiere Rush, or CapCut.
- Creative Tools: Design engaging visuals and presentation materials with platforms like Canva.
- Tutorials: Learn video creation basics with free guides on YouTube, Vimeo, or other online courses.
Pro Tips for Shooting a Great Video
- Plan Your Script: Draft a script or outline to keep your message clear and concise.
- Choose a Quiet Location: Minimize background noise for better audio clarity.
- Check Your Lighting: Use natural or bright lighting to ensure your video is clear and professional.
- Keep It Steady: Stabilize your camera with a tripod or other support to avoid shaky shots.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse your presentation to refine delivery and transitions.
With these tools and tips, you’ll be ready to create an engaging and professional video that brings your ideas to life!
Reference Materials to Get You Started
Pickens County Habitat for Humanity Newsletter Archive: https://pickenshabitat.org/news-events/how-we-build-community.html
Frequently Asked Questions/General Info about HFH: https://www.habitat.org/about/faq
Housing Lessons at Habitat for Humanity International: https://www.habitat.org/volunteer/near-you/youth-programs/resources/habitat-for-humanity-lessons
Habitat for Humanity Research Series: Outcomes Associated with Homeownership: https://www.habitat.org/our-work/impact/research-series-outcomes-associated-with-homeownership
Habitat for Humanity International Research Series/Evidence Briefs: https://www.southcarolinahabitat.org/research
NIH Articles about Housing Crisis (focuses on social determinants of health and health equity): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7146083/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10445606/
Questions?
Need more information? Contact Isabella Wells at isabellawells@pickenshabitat.org.
