In a world where land is often viewed through the lens of profit, the Crotwell family has chosen something different, something deeper. They've chosen legacy. Hope. And a future where more families can call Liberty home.
This summer, Pickens County Habitat for Humanity received a remarkable gift: nearly two acres of family land, donated by Henry and Barbara Crotwell, along with Henry’s sister-in-law, Lila Crotwell. The property, located on the north side of Front Street, has been in their family for generations. Now, it will be the future site of affordable homes built in partnership with local families, offering strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.
The donation honors the memory of Philip and Jeanette Crotwell, lifelong residents of Liberty and devoted educators. Philip served as principal of Liberty High School for more than two decades. Jeanette spent 30 years as a teacher and librarian. Their roots ran deep in this community, and their love for it was unmistakable.
“It brings us peace to know this land will become a blessing for another family, just as it was for ours,” said their son, Hank Crotwell. That peace, the kind that comes from knowing your gift will live on in the lives of others, is at the heart of what we do at Habitat.
Land: The First Brick in the Wall
For most of us, when we think of affordable housing, we picture the walls going up. But behind every Habitat home is a critical first step: land. And in a county where property costs are rising and development pressure is growing, buildable land is one of our most precious resources.
That’s what makes this donation so transformative. The Crotwell family’s decision doesn’t just give us a place to build, it gives local families a place to belong. A neighborhood where their kids can ride bikes, grow up with neighbors, and attend the same schools the Crotwells once led with care.
“This gift does more than provide land. It opens the door to stability, opportunity, and a brighter future for families already living and working in Pickens County,” said Tamara Dourney, Executive Director of Pickens County Habitat for Humanity. “It’s an amazing legacy for the Crotwell family to bequeath to the community, and we are honored to carry it forward.”
Turning Gifts Into Homes
As with all our builds, the homes constructed on this land will come to life through partnership. That includes:
- Sweat equity from future homeowners
- Volunteer hours from neighbors, students, and faith communities
- Donations from supporters like you, who believe in building more than just houses
Together, we turn donations into down payments on dignity. Every nail, every dollar, every act of generosity echoes far beyond construction. It ripples through generations.
Help Carry the Legacy Forward
The Crotwell family gave from the heart. Now, we ask: will you help us build on that gift?
Your support, whether through financial contributions, volunteer time, or even sharing this story, helps us transform empty lots into places of laughter, growth, and new beginnings.
Let’s keep building. Together.
Visit PickensHabitat.org to donate, volunteer, or learn more.
We’re also planning to host a Community Listening Session on August 19th at the Rosewood Center in Liberty at 6:30pm. This will be an open space to share your hopes, concerns, and ideas for how Habitat builds in Liberty. We invite you to join us, lend your voice, and help shape the future of this project and our community.
