Are you ready to create lasting change in your community while showcasing your creativity and advocacy skills? Pickens County Habitat for Humanity invites local high school students to join the HOME Challenge, an exciting opportunity to tackle the pressing issue of affordable housing in our area.
This challenge is more than just a competition—it’s a chance to become part of the solution for one of the most critical issues affecting families in Pickens County. Affordable housing is more than a roof over someone’s head. It’s about building strength, stability, and a foundation for a better future.
What Is the HOME Challenge?
The HOME Challenge encourages students to think critically and propose solutions that could improve housing affordability and sustainability in Pickens County. You can create a compelling video presentation individually or with a team, focusing on one of these four impactful categories:
- New Building Technologies: Showcase innovative, eco-friendly, and cost-effective construction methods or materials.
- Community Planning Strategies: Suggest ideas for smarter, more inclusive neighborhood layouts or zoning improvements.
- Fundraising Campaigns: Develop creative strategies to raise funds and sustain affordable housing projects.
- Policy Advocacy Efforts: Advocate for changes to housing policies that address the needs of families in our community.
By focusing on these areas, students have the unique opportunity to highlight how affordable housing can transform lives and strengthen our local community.
Why Does Affordable Housing Matter?
The lack of affordable housing is a challenge that touches all aspects of our community. Families struggling with housing insecurity often face obstacles like limited access to education, healthcare, and stable employment. High housing costs also affect our local economy, making it harder for essential workers—teachers, first responders, and service employees—to live where they work.
Affordable housing doesn’t just benefit individuals—it creates a ripple effect that strengthens neighborhoods, improves schools, and bolsters local economies. By addressing this challenge, students in Pickens County can play an active role in building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
What’s in It for You?
The HOME Challenge offers more than the chance to win cash prizes for both individual and team submissions. It’s an opportunity to:
- Gain valuable experience tackling real-world challenges and develop practical solutions.
- Build your resume or college applications with a meaningful advocacy project.
- Potentially earn extra credit or recognition, such as a graduation cord (pending school approval).
- Engage with Habitat staff and community mentors who will support and guide you through the challenge.
By participating, you’ll gain skills in research, video production, and public speaking—all while making a tangible impact on a critical community issue.
How to Get Started
Creating your video is simple and exciting! Use tools like iMovie, Canva, or Adobe Premiere Rush to design a professional presentation. Videos should be original, engaging, and 3-5 minutes for individual submissions or 5-7 minutes for team entries.
Join the Movement
The HOME Challenge is more than a competition—it’s a call to action for students to help address one of the biggest challenges facing our community. By participating, you’ll not only learn about affordable housing and its impact but also inspire others to take action.
Together, we can create innovative solutions and make a real difference for families in Pickens County. Imagine the lives that could be changed—and the community that could be strengthened—because of your ideas and advocacy.
Learn More
To register or for more information, contact Isabella Wells at isabellawells@pickenshabitat.org
Take the challenge today and be part of the movement to build hope, one home at a time!
