The Cost of Building Belonging
Back in 2020, Pickens County Habitat for Humanity could build a safe, decent home for about $85,000. Today, that same home costs closer to $170,000. Even with hundreds of community members devoting thousands of hours of volunteer labor, we still have to cover the full cost of construction. We are not funded by government grants. Our homes are made possible by local grants, corporate sponsors, retailer discounts, foundation awards, and the generosity of neighbors like you. If you have filled a gas tank or bought groceries lately, you get it. Prices are up everywhere. But for us, it is more than just sticker shock. Every extra dollar means another family still waiting for a front door they can finally call their own.
So how do we keep going? How do we build when the world keeps getting more expensive? We come back to what matters: three pillars, one purpose, and a lot of heart.
Inclusivity
We believe strong communities are built by the people who already call them home. That is why we partner with local families who are ready to build, ready to own, and ready to thrive. We select families based on their need for safe, affordable housing, their ability to afford a modest mortgage, and their willingness to work alongside us. Race, religion, and background are never part of the equation. Your giving makes it possible to open more doors for more families, right here at home.
Strategic Partnerships
We do not build alone. From local churches swinging hammers to national coalitions cutting costs, partnerships make this possible. But partnerships need flexibility. Your steady support gives us the freedom to say yes when the right opportunity shows up. It helps us lock in bulk buys, host skilled volunteers, and fight for better policies and resources for our families.
Service
Building homes is just the start. We mentor first-time buyers. We help young leaders grow through our Campus Chapter. We repair homes for neighbors who need a hand. We serve because we have been served by you. That trust and generosity is what keeps us moving, not just during campaigns, but every single day.
Giving That Keeps Us Going and Growing
Annual giving is the real hero here. It does not come with a ribbon-cutting, but it is behind every single one. It lets us plan, face down setbacks, and keep building stronger homes and stronger futures.
Because this is not just about lumber prices or permit fees. It is about people. It is about neighbors dreaming of a place to tuck their kids in at night or plant tomatoes in the spring. It is about building futures that start with a front door. And it only happens because of you.
Let’s keep building. Together.
