World Habitat Day

Habitat for Humanity's work not only transforms individual households, it also creates jobs and strengthens the economy

On World Habitat Day, Habitat for Humanity South Carolina joined the United Nations and organizations around the world in raising awareness and in educating and mobilizing individuals and communities to take action on the current global housing challenge.  Habitat representatives and community partners, including Ivory Mathews (CEO of Columbia Housing), gathered at the South Carolina State House to reflect on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. Citing Habitat's role in working towards that goal, Representative Sylleste Davis (District 100, Berkeley County) presented a resolution on behalf of the South Carolina House of Representatives to Habitat for Humanity recognizing October 4, 2021, as World Habitat Day. Representative Davis also recognized a proclamation from Governor Henry McMaster, signed in advance of the event.

During the event, Nancy Lee (executive director of Habitat for Humanity South Carolina) announced the findings from the state organization's 2020 Economic Impact Analysis. In addition to the $33.5 million Habitat invested in operations, construction, and renovation of homes across the Palmetto State, the report determined that 10 jobs were created and $1.2 million was added to South Carolina's economy for every new home Habitat constructed last year. The collective work of South Carolina's 29 Habitat affiliates generated $22 million in wages and nearly $62 million of total economic impact. While Habitat is focused on ensuring South Carolinians have access to affordable homeownership, the report highlighted the additional benefits to the state for every home built and/or repaired. Read the full 2020 report at southcarolinahabitat.org/reports.

Habitat for Humanity South Carolina 2020 Economic Impact Analysis

• 232 families achieved their homeownership goals
• $33.5 million in operations, construction, rehabilitation, renovation
• 518 total jobs supported, generating over $22 million in wages paid into economy 
• $8.7 million in local, state, and federal taxes paid
• 10 jobs were created for every new house constructed and added $1.2 million to South Carolina's economy
• Every owner-occupied repair created 8 jobs and added almost $935k to the economy 
• The spending ripple effect also determined that for every dollar donated, $6.22 was added to the state's economy
• $62 million in total economic impact for 2020

Photo Credit: L. Scott Johnson of Fablegraph | Pictured - Nancy Lee, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity South Carolina

Photo Credit: L. Scott Johnson of Fablegraph | Pictured Left to Right: Ivory N. Mathews, Chief Executive Officer - Columbia Housing; Lynn Bowley, Executive Director  - Charleston Habitat for Humanity;  and Rania Jamison, Board Chairman - Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity 

Photo Credit: L. Scott Johnson of Fablegraph | Pictured at the Podium - Rania Jamison, Board Chairman - Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity

Photo Credit: L. Scott Johnson of Fablegraph | Pictured Left to Right: Ivory N. Mathews, Chief Executive Officer, Columbia Housing; Jessica Burgoyne, Executive Director - Edisto Habitat for Humanity; Lynn Bowley, Executive Director  - Charleston Habitat for Humanity; Mary Louise Resch, Director of Philanthropy - Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity and Rania Jamison, Board Chairman - Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity 

Photo Credit: L. Scott Johnson of Fablegraph | Pictured at Podium - Left to Right: Rania Jamison, Board Chairman, Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity and Nancy Lee, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity South Carolina

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