Skip to main content
News & Events

How We Build Community

Ink drawing of a house

Read stories about how we bring people together by building our community!

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.

The PCHFH family celebrated the dedication of the Wright family's new home in Liberty, a testament to community support and perseverance. This event marks a new beginning filled with hope and love, showcasing the power of collective action.

Embarking on an ambitious journey towards equitable and sustainable communities, our 2024 vision focuses on transformative housing advocacy. This guide highlights key public policies and initiatives aimed at reshaping affordable housing. It's a call to action for leaders and citizens to create a more inclusive future. Explore the strategic paths from expanding home production to fair lending, all designed to build not just homes but hope and stability for everyone in our community.

In a touching farewell message, Jill Evans shares a significant announcement about her future and reflects on her meaningful journey with Pickens County Habitat. She highlights the organization's growth, her deep connections with partner families, and her gratitude towards dedicated volunteers. Hinting at exciting changes and a promising future under new leadership, this open letter is a heartfelt homage to the community she's served and a glimpse into the next chapter for both her and Habitat.

In this behind the scenes look into the work of PCHFH, the Fall 2023 Pearce Center interns share their inspiring journey. Dive into the heartwarming experiences of three Clemson students as they recount their semester with Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, from impactful projects to personal growth and community connections.

Clemson President's Leadership Institute and Habitat for Humanity team up for a transformative day of service. Discover how this unique partnership is shaping futures and strengthening community bonds in an inspiring event that goes beyond leadership.

Habitat for Humanity's Cost of Home campaign has made substantial progress towards its goal of assisting 10 million people with affordable housing, achieving over 300 policy wins and aiding 6.6 million individuals in just four years.

Pickens County Habitat for Humanity celebrated the dedication of a new home in Clemson on November 12, 2023, marking a significant milestone for the family and community. The heartfelt ceremony, highlighting collaboration and hope, underscored Habitat's mission of building homes and changing lives.

Telesa Blake-Robertson, supported by Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, overcame personal challenges to become a proud homeowner. She recently achieved a new dream when she made her final mortgage payment. Her story highlights the transformative power of Habitat's homeownership program.

Pickens County Habitat for Humanity commemorates former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, honoring her legacy as a champion of social justice, mental health, and affordable housing. Integral to Habitat's story, her life's work profoundly impacts humanity and continues to inspire.

The 2023 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree stands as a towering emblem of holiday spirit and transformation in New York City. Beyond its festive allure, the Center partners with Habitat for Humanity, turning its lumber into sustainable housing materials, symbolizing a cycle of renewal and hope for families in need.

Discover the profound impact of housing on our lives and communities. From the challenges of finding affordable homes to the vital role of Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, explore the intricate housing cycle and learn how you can be part of the solution.

Dolly's Roofing, a family-run Seneca-based company, partners with Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, providing quality roofing services for community builds. Founded on values of superior customer care, they emphasize giving back. Charles Dolly, the founder, encourages businesses to join hands with Habitat for its transformative impact.

Architect Lura Godfrey collaborates with Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, offering designs and championing affordable housing. Inspired by family and faith, she urges support for the cause, emphasizing the power of homeownership.

Clemson University students completed their 30th annual Homecoming Build for Habitat for Humanity, constructing a home later relocated to Pickens. The effort, supported by community sponsors, emphasizes the community’s support of affordable housing initiatives.

Dive into inspiring tales of triumph and transformation as we revisit the lives of three remarkable homeowner partners from past Homecoming Builds. Discover the impact of affordable housing on their families and learn about the community they built along the way.

Explore the vital link between affordable housing, equity, stability, and community. A home is more than shelter—it's a foundation for financial security. Join Pickens County Habitat for Humanity to understand housing's impact and become an affordable housing champion!

Spanning over three decades, Theron Cochran's volunteer story is a testament to passion and dedication, showcasing how individuals can truly make a difference. Celebrate the profound impact he has had on Pickens County, shaping a better tomorrow for families in need.

In a remarkable show of community spirit, Alair Homes partnered with Habitat for Humanity for a statewide, multi-site volunteer collaboration, leaving a lasting mark on the landscape of affordable housing. Read on to learn more about their experience with Pickens County Habitat for Humanity.

The journey toward homeownership is often a complex puzzle of opportunity and finances, but for many families in Pickens County, it’s a dream they fear they’ll never achieve. Learn how Pickens County Habitat for Humanity is empowering residents as they seek the stability and peace of mind that comes from owning your own home.

Harbin Lumber is a family-owned business that has been serving Pickens County for over 100 years. The company is known as a go-to source for top-notch lumber and building materials. But what sets them apart isn't just what they provide; it's what they give back.

After retiring from a 30-year career as a self-employed civil structural engineer consultant, Gary Caruso has found a new sense of purpose in volunteering with Pickens County Habitat for Humanity. He has been volunteering with the organization for 18 months, and in that time, he has helped build several homes for families in need.

Meet the dedicated student leaders of the 2023-2024 Pickens County Habitat for Humanity at Clemson University (Campus Chapter). Discover their passion for affordable housing, their journey to leadership, and their commitment to making a difference in their community. Join them in their mission to create affordable homes for families in need.

Pickens County Habitat for Humanity is excited to announce that Tamara Dourney has joined our staff as Volunteer Coordinator and Communications Specialist! Her focus will be on increasing awareness for the need for affordable housing in Pickens County and expanding the capacity of PCHFH through storytelling and volunteer recruitment efforts.

Tabitha Good didn’t have much stability growing up. She moved several times and attended five elementary schools and two middle schools! Tabitha wanted to create a different life for herself and her growing family, so several years ago, she embarked on a homeownership journey with Pickens County Habitat for Humanity.

Longtime Clemson, South Carolina, resident Cathy Turner is a dedicated board member of Pickens County Habitat for Humanity who has always understood the importance of “being able to go home again.” She says she is very proud of the Habitat homeownership program and feels blessed to be involved.

Pickens County Habitat for Humanity celebrated a new Home Dedication for the Bramlett family! Amanda Bramlett and her two children moved into their new home in February and are continuing to settle in. PCHFH staff, board members and volunteers joined together on March 26 to celebrate the new Bramlett home alongside their family and friends.

The Homecoming Build of 2021 led to an unexpected opportunity for Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, when Michael Nieri pledged to build a second house on Bowman Field during the 2022 Homecoming Build. Nieri is founder, owner and president of Great Southern Homes. He is also a Clemson University alumnus who invests in various local projects. In 2021, he contributed $50,000 as a cornerstone gift for the PCHFH 40th Anniversary Build.

Over the past few months, our PCHFH family has grieved the loss of two staunch supporters and long-time volunteers with the passing of Dr. Dennis Bausman and Dr. Joe Dickerson. Both of these fine men were involved with PCHFH for more than 25 years, supporting the organization through their leadership as members of our board of directors, build site supervisors and volunteers, and faithful financial donors.

Whether he is insuring residents in the Clemson community as a local State Farm agent, or advocating for and volunteering with Habitat, Daniel Webber is no stranger to helping others. He has become an important member of Pickens County Habitat for Humanity as one of our newest board members, yet his involvement with PCHFH began many years ago.

PCHFH staff, board members and volunteers joined together on December 4th to celebrate with Jamie Everett, our newest Habitat homeowner! Everett and her family enjoyed their first Christmas in a home of their own.

On November 10, approximately 108 Prisma Health employees invested more than 700 volunteer hours on Habitat for Humanity build sites statewide – in Greenville, Laurens, Pickens, Oconee, Richland, Lexington and Sumter counties. Prisma Health Partnership Day began last year with 133 volunteers working for a total of 850 hours which set the record for the largest single day, multi-site project in South Carolina’s Habitat for Humanity history.

In a world where affordable housing is increasingly harder to attain, Habitat for Humanity’s mission to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope is more important than ever. While the most recognizable impact of Habitat’s services is the construction of new homes, Habitat’s overall impact reaches far beyond that. Besides driving important social and economic outcomes for Habitat households, Habitat’s work seeps into the wellbeing of surrounding communities and other sectors of the economy.

MENU CLOSE