Opinion: After 40 years, Habitat for Humanity still building for the future

In 1985, a small but determined group of Greenville residents came together with a bold vision: to break the cycle of generational poverty by building one house a year for a family in need.

At the time, Habitat for Humanity was a name few recognized. Affordable housing was a quiet crisis, and the idea of mobilizing volunteers to construct homes felt ambitious, perhaps even improbable.

After 40 years, that vision has become a powerful movement.

Today, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County stands as one of the pillars of the region’s affordable housing ecosystem. We have built 430 homes across the county and repaired 330 more. Each one is a testament to what is possible when purpose meets action.

These aren’t just houses. They are launching pads for brighter futures — places where children sleep more soundly, where parents find stability and where families begin to build generational wealth.

But our work is far from done.

Our journey began with Joe Barron, a passionate advocate who brought his experience from Habitat’s Columbia affiliate to Greenville. Together with volunteers — including Tom Faulker, who still comes by our offices today — from Buncombe Street United Methodist Church, they planted a seed of hope that has grown far beyond what anyone could have imagined.

As we celebrate 40 years of impact, we’re doubling down on our mission. We are not here just to commemorate the past, we’re here to build the future.

We’re inviting the community to be a part of this continued journey. Here’s how:

• Dinner on Ice: Our signature fundraising gala Oct. 21 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena brings together supporters, community leaders, and Greenville Swamp Rabbits players for a night of purpose and fun.
• 40th Anniversary Fundraising Raffle: An exciting opportunity to support our mission and win incredible prizes.
• The Anniversary Build: Our most ambitious campaign yet, raising $400,000 by year’s end to construct another home and another future.
• The Women’s Build: An annual project, with the added anniversary goal of 40 women participating to build a house for a family.

More information is available at habitatgreenville.org.

And this is just the beginning. More events and initiatives will roll out over the coming months as we invite Greenville to celebrate with us, and to take action alongside us.

At its core, Habitat is not about houses. It’s about people. It’s about partnership. It’s about the deep belief that everyone deserves a decent place to live, and the dignity that comes with it.

Building homes is just the beginning. Together, we can build a more just, more inclusive and more hopeful Greenville.

LaTonya Phillips is president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County.