The Cost of Building—and Belonging
In 2020, Pickens County Habitat for Humanity could build a safe, decent home for a partner family for about $85,000. Today, that same build costs closer to $135,000—and that’s with every donation, discount, and volunteer hour we can rally.
The spike won’t surprise anyone who’s filled a gas tank, stocked a pantry, or priced out lumber lately. But for mission-driven builders like us, it’s not just a budget adjustment—it’s a daily reckoning with how rising costs affect real families, real futures, and the urgent need for affordable housing in our community.
Behind every cost increase is a family still waiting for a front door they can call their own. So how do we keep going? How do we stay grounded in a mission that’s bigger than materials or market trends?
We return to what sustains us: Three Pillars. One Purpose.
Your support doesn’t just fill a funding gap—it fuels the foundation of everything we do. And in this season of growth and grit, that foundation has never mattered more.
Inclusivity
We believe that homeownership should never be out of reach because of a person’s income, background, or ZIP code. That’s why we partner with families of all races, religions, and walks of life—people who are ready to build, ready to own, and ready to thrive. Your giving helps us keep that promise. It means translated materials, accessible build sites, and policies that protect dignity—not just dollars.
Strategic Partnerships
We don’t build alone. From local churches who swing hammers to national housing coalitions who negotiate material costs, our partnerships amplify every effort. But collaboration takes flexibility—being ready to say “yes” when the right opportunity comes along. Your consistent giving gives us that freedom. It helps us lock in bulk buys, host skilled volunteers, and advocate alongside allies for the policies and resources our families need.
Service
Our work starts with homes, but it doesn’t end there. We mentor first-time buyers, support young leaders through our Campus Chapter, and show up for neighbors who need critical home repairs. We serve because we’ve been served—by the trust and generosity of a community that believes everyone deserves a place to belong. That kind of service doesn’t pause for a campaign—it runs year-round on the steady pulse of support from people like you.
Giving That Keeps Us Going—and Growing
Annual giving is the quiet hero of this work. It may not come with a ribbon-cutting, but it’s behind every one. It lets us plan ahead, weather setbacks, and build stronger—not just taller. And while the cost of construction keeps climbing, so does the reach of your impact.
So no, this isn’t just about lumber prices or permit fees. It’s about people—about neighbors who dream of a place to tuck their kids in at night, or plant tomatoes in the spring. It’s about building not just homes, but futures.
Let’s keep building—together.
