Read stories about how we bring people together by building our community!
Ever wonder who’s behind the posts you double-tap, the stories that tug your heart, or the newsletter you’re reading right now? Meet our Pearce Center interns—Habitat’s behind-the-scenes storytellers. From snapping pics in the dirt to editing on deadline to interviewing our community partners with mic-in-hand curiosity, they’re using their communication superpowers to build more than homes. Come spend a day in their shoes (or at least their Google Docs).
While some interns take notes, our Construction Intern, Jacob Lesley takes charge on-site, on-task, and hands-on. Whether it’s coordinating volunteers, hauling materials, or keeping our build days running smooth, he plays a key role in making real progress possible. Our homes don’t rise without help, and this intern is proof that every hour counts.
The cost of building a home in Pickens County has surged nearly 60% since 2020. That’s not just a financial strain, it’s a direct threat to affordable homeownership in our community. In this article, we break down what that spike really means for families, for our work, and for the role annual giving plays in keeping the mission alive. Because for us, this isn’t theoretical. It’s personal. And it’s urgent.
Whether you're a DIY disaster or a seasoned construction pro, there’s a spot for you on the build site. In our latest article, we’ll take you behind the scenes of a day in the life of a construction volunteer. From hard work to moments of camaraderie, discover how every skill level contributes to building homes and creating community. Read about how we turn a day of volunteering into a perfect mix of hard work, laughs, and a whole lot of heart.
Our mission thrives because of dedicated volunteers like Joseph Huss. A retired Army officer with a lifelong passion for building, Joseph joins our C2 Program to make a difference—one home at a time. Learn more about his journey and how you can get involved!
The Tiny House Build is a collaborative initiative led by Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, Clemson University’s Construction Science and Management program, and the Pickens County Career and Technology Center. Spearheaded by Richard Gauthier and Construction Coordinator Kevin, the project creates sustainable tiny homes for veterans while offering students hands-on construction experience and career training. The next build takes place April 18th at Clemson’s XL yard.
Women have always been builders, inventors, and innovators in construction—often without recognition. From Emily Roebling completing the Brooklyn Bridge to Tabitha Babbitt’s game-changing circular saw, these pioneers shaped the industry we know today. This Women in Construction Week, we honor their legacy and celebrate the women leading the way into the future.
After 15 years, Women Build returned to Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, bringing 48 volunteers together to learn hands-on construction skills and help build a Habitat home. Held on International Women’s Day, this event emphasized empowerment, teamwork, and breaking barriers in construction. Discover how first-time builders gained confidence, built friendships, and made a lasting impact!
Game on, Clemson! Get ready for a fun-filled evening of Pickleball on March 28th with the Campus Chapter. Compete in singles or doubles, win prizes, and support our Homecoming Build. This exciting event is open to all Clemson students! Whether you're a pro or just playing for fun, this is your chance to serve up a great time for a great cause!
The brothers of Phi Kappa Tau are proving that leadership goes beyond campus! On February 1st, they put in the hard work at a Habitat construction site, lifting more than just cinder blocks—they lifted spirits and strengthened our community. Their takeaway? Just "Go and Do!"
At Clemson, Professor Kirk Bingenheimer is turning students into changemakers. Through his Creative Inquiry course, students design and build with affordable housing in mind. With hammers in hand and innovative ideas in mind, they’re shaping the future—one home at a time!
Pickens County CTC students are bringing skill, dedication, and heart to Habitat’s build sites! From laying block to learning from inspectors, they’re gaining hands-on experience while making an impact. Their hard work is shaping homes—and their futures.
Calling all high school students! The Pickens County Habitat for Humanity HOME Challenge, sponsored by State Farm, is your chance to tackle housing affordability and sustainability in a creative, fun, and impactful way. Form a team, pitch your ideas, and compete for cash prizes—all while making a real difference in your community. Are you up for the challenge?
Women Build 2025 is here! On March 8th, join a powerful movement of women in Pickens County as we build homes and strengthen our community. No experience? No problem! There are so many meaningful ways to get involved, including participating with us on the build site, engaging in company sponsorships, donating to the build, and competing in peer-to-peer fundraising challenges. Sign up today!
Affordable housing is more important than ever, and Pickens County Habitat for Humanity is advocating for policies that keep homeownership accessible. Learn how federal housing programs impact communities and what you can do to ensure they remain available when needed.
Dora Moono Nyambe’s life was a testament to love in action. Discover how this fearless humanitarian transformed rural Zambia, creating ripples of hope worldwide.
From its origins in 1991 to today, Women Build has been a testament to the strength of women and community. Join us March 8, 2025, to continue the legacy!
Building houses is just the start—this year, Arthrex helped us build hope! With hammers in hand and hearts wide open, their team brought energy to the construction site and backed it up with a generous $15,000 grant. Discover how this partnership is shaping a brighter future for Pickens County!
Future builders, community changers! Pickens County Habitat teams up with PCCTC students to create homes and bright career paths. From mastering power tools to powering up their futures, see how this partnership is shaping Pickens County.
Calling all young changemakers! The HOME Challenge invites Pickens County high school students to tackle the affordable housing crisis with bold ideas, creative videos, and real solutions. Cash prizes and community impact await—are you in?
Introducing C2: the Volunteer Core Corps! Join Pickens County Habitat for Humanity’s bold new initiative and help accelerate affordable housing builds. It’s not just about homes—it’s about hope, connections, and making a lasting impact in your community.
Celebrating the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter, whose unwavering dedication to service and belief in affordable housing transformed lives, inspired communities, and shaped Habitat for Humanity’s mission worldwide.
Want to make 2025 your year of impact? Discover how regular volunteering with Pickens County Habitat for Humanity can change lives—including yours! Learn how you can be part of building homes, hope, and brighter futures for deserving families.
What if your old car could do more than just gather dust? Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program turns unused vehicles into funding that builds safe, affordable housing. This article dives into the deeper impact of these donations—how they create homes, strengthen communities, and provide hope for families. Click to learn how your car can change lives today!
Affordable housing is more than a roof over someone’s head—it’s the cornerstone of thriving neighborhoods and lasting change. See how Habitat for Humanity is redefining expectations and proving that affordable homes can be beautiful, durable, and transformative for families and communities alike.
What happens when faith meets action? 5 Point Church in Easley has consistently partnered with Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, transforming lives through their generosity and dedication. Discover how their commitment has built homes, empowered families, and created a legacy of hope in our community.
Did you know Habitat homeowners in Pickens County contributed over $68,000 in property taxes in 2024 alone? Dive into the surprising ways affordable housing boosts our local economy and strengthens our community—highlighting that a home is more than just a place to live.
This article showcases the Chi Phi fraternity's commitment to community service through their volunteer work at a local build site. Featuring firsthand accounts from chapter leaders, it highlights how the students worked alongside Construction Coordinator Kevin Parris, emphasizing the positive impact of collaborating with organizations in the Pickens community.
This article reflects on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, exploring the intertwined issues of income, housing, and disaster recovery. Drawing from personal experiences and past hurricanes, our Executive Director highlights the lack of flood insurance among affected homes and the systemic vulnerabilities faced by low-income communities. It discusses the broader implications of housing loss on local economies and essential services, as well as the mental and physical health impacts on displaced residents. The piece calls for a deeper understanding of the structural inequalities that exacerbate the challenges of disaster recovery.
This article celebrates the impactful partnership between Pickens County Habitat for Humanity and Easley Presbyterian Church. It highlights the church's dedication in supporting affordable housing initiatives and the community's well-being. The article also teases upcoming projects aimed at addressing local housing needs.
Ever wondered what it takes to build a Habitat home? Join us as we pull back the curtain on the life cycle of a Habitat home—from careful planning with partner families to the final dedication. This journey brings together volunteers, donors, and community partners who make affordable housing possible.
This article highlights the significance of GivingTuesday on December 3rd, focusing on local community impact in Pickens County. It emphasizes the call to action for individuals and organizations to engage in acts of generosity, particularly through Habitat for Humanity's initiative to "Give Local, Build Local." Readers are encouraged to contribute to affordable housing efforts in their community, fostering a spirit of togetherness and support.
We’re excited to launch the Dream Builders Club! Your monthly gift starts at $10 and helps build affordable homes for families in need. Learn more inside!
This article celebrates the 100th birthday of Jimmy Carter and highlights his remarkable legacy of service with Habitat for Humanity. It explores his dedication to affordable housing, rural communities, and how his vision continues to inspire volunteers worldwide.
This article explores how community land trusts (CLTs) offer a sustainable solution for maintaining affordable housing in Pickens County. It highlights Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to adopt lasting affordability models that help families secure homes for generations without succumbing to rising property costs.
Pickens County Habitat for Humanity proudly partnered with Clemson University's chapter for the 31st Annual Homecoming Build, starting on September 17th. This year’s build faced unique challenges, including an early kickoff and weather delays, yet the dedication of students and community members shone through. Homecoming Build Coordinator Charlie Rohaley emphasized the significance of unity and service, while Executive Director Tamara Dourney praised the students' unwavering commitment. Despite weather disruptions, the team made significant progress, and the event culminated in a celebratory dinner, where outstanding contributors were recognized. This year's Homecoming Build reaffirmed the power of community and collaboration in creating safe, affordable housing for families in need.
Charlie Rohaley, the Homecoming Coordinator for the Clemson Habitat for Humanity chapter, reflects on his transformative experiences while leading the 2024 Homecoming build. With a background in Construction Science Management, Rohaley dedicated himself to coordinating resources and volunteers, highlighting the community-building spirit at Clemson. He shares how Habitat for Humanity shaped his leadership skills and deepened his commitment to giving back. For Rohaley, building homes goes beyond construction; it’s about fostering connections and shaping a stronger community.
Kevin Parris, the Construction Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity’s Homecoming Build, plays a pivotal role in the initiative, combining his personal connection to the organization with a commitment to building homes for families in need. As a recipient of a Habitat home himself, Parris understands the profound impact affordable housing can have. This year's build faced weather challenges, but his optimism and reliance on the Clemson Chapter's dedicated volunteers kept the team moving forward. Parris’ extensive experience in property management and his heartfelt commitment to helping others—especially in memory of his daughter, Hannah Grace—make him a true champion for the community.
Forrest Movers has been a vital part of the Clemson University Homecoming Build for over a decade, transporting Habitat homes from campus to their final destination. Despite this year’s added challenge of storm damage, Forrest Movers delivered once again, ensuring families can move into their new homes. Their unwavering support earned them the first-ever Pickens County Habitat for Humanity Community Partner Award.
The Clemson University Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity has been a vital part of Pickens County Habitat for Humanity's mission to provide affordable housing. As the 2024 Homecoming Build approaches, meet the passionate student leaders driving this effort: Andrew Tuz, Isabel Goodin, and Kade Pilgrim. This cherished tradition, starting in 1994, unites students, faculty, alumni, and local volunteers to build a home that offers a family safety and affordability. The Homecoming Build exemplifies the Clemson community's dedication to service, teamwork, and hope. We look forward to another successful build this year!
As housing costs soar, the White House's push to use public land for affordable housing shines a light on a critical need for Pickens County Habitat for Humanity: land acquisition. Without land, our ability to build homes for families in need is at risk. Imagine the impact we could make with a dedicated land bank—securing vacant properties now to build affordable homes for years to come. It’s a proactive step toward reducing housing costs and revitalizing our community. Want to know how you can help us make this vision a reality? Learn more on our website.
Pickens County Habitat for Humanity welcomes Isabella Wells as our new Program Coordinator. She will oversee volunteers, communications, and homeowner services, helping us continue our mission of providing affordable housing in Pickens County. Welcome, Isabella!
Join Pickens County Habitat for Humanity for the 2024 Homecoming Build Celebration on September 26th, featuring a BBQ dinner, entertainment, and a silent auction. Tickets are $60 and available online or through our office. Don’t miss this chance to support affordable housing and connect with fellow community members!
Mark your calendars for July 20, 2024! Join Pickens County Habitat for Humanity and Lowe's for a day of community service at Jaycee Park. Let's come together to paint, landscape, and make basic repairs to create a stronger, more vibrant community space.
Pickens County Habitat for Humanity celebrates earning the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, demonstrating our commitment to openness and accountability. This recognition reflects our dedication to ethical practices and maximizing impact in providing affordable housing. Learn about our achievements, including partnering with 117 families since 1981, and how this accolade reinforces our mission to build strength, stability, and self-reliance in our community.
Pickens County Habitat for Humanity recently presented to the City of Liberty, exploring partnerships to tackle affordable housing challenges. With rising housing costs and 20% of families below the poverty line, the need is critical. PCHFH proposes combining their expertise with city resources to create innovative solutions. Having built 13 homes in Liberty, PCHFH aims to expand their impact, focusing on affordable homeownership as a catalyst for generational change and community growth.
Kevin Parris joins PCHFH as the new Construction Coordinator, bringing extensive construction experience and a personal connection to Habitat's mission. He aims to empower families and volunteers, focusing on building not just houses, but homes filled with hope and love.
Explore the diverse volunteer opportunities at Pickens County Habitat for Humanity (PCHFH), from hands-on construction work on Tuesdays/Thursdays or Wednesdays/Fridays, to contributing your expertise in one of our vital committees. Whether you're looking to offer administrative support, specialize in communications, or join the crew building homes, your role at PCHFH will have a profound impact. This article delves into the various ways you can get involved, highlighting the unique benefits and transformative experiences volunteering offers. Join us in our mission to build not just houses, but hope and community.
At Habitat on the Hill, PCHFH and other affiliates discussed affordable housing with key political figures, emphasizing the need for supportive policies and the impact of advocacy on national housing policy reform efforts.
