Growing Together: Meeting the Lowcountry’s housing challenge

As the Lowcountry continues to grow, so do the opportunities and challenges facing the region. Jasper County was recently recognized as the fastest-growing county in the nation, while Beaufort County has experienced significant population growth over the past several years.

Growth brings many benefits, but it also increases demand for housing.

As home prices continue to climb, many local families are finding it harder to buy a home in the community they love. The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce has identified housing affordability as one of the biggest issues facing the area, affecting not only families but also employers trying to recruit and retain the workforce the growing economy depends on.

Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry works with families throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties, partnering with hardworking individuals and families who are ready to take the next step toward homeownership.

Habitat homeowners do not receive a free home. Families are selected through an application process, complete financial education, contribute hundreds of hours of sweat equity alongside volunteers and purchase their homes with an affordable mortgage. They work hard for the opportunity to become homeowners because they understand that a home provides far more than four walls. It creates stability, opportunity and a place where families can build their future.

Habitat’s work also extends beyond new home construction.

Many older adults, veterans and low-income homeowners simply need help making their current homes safe. Through its Critical Home Repair Program, Habitat provides wheelchair ramps, exterior repairs, stairs, handrails, siding and other improvements that allow qualified homeowners to remain safely and independently in the homes they already own.

This year, Habitat received a competitive AARP Community Challenge grant that will fund wheelchair ramps for eligible older adults in Bluffton through December. While the grant is limited to Bluffton residents, Habitat’s Critical Home Repair Program continues to serve qualified homeowners throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties as funding allows.

“We meet so many people who simply want to stay in the homes where they’ve lived for decades,” said Ayaks Castellanos, program director for Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry. “Sometimes a wheelchair ramp or a few critical repairs are all that’s standing between them and being able to remain safely at home.”

Community support makes these programs possible.

On Monday, Sept. 28, Habitat will host its 29th annual Golf Tournament at Oldfield Golf Club. The tournament is one of the organization’s largest fundraisers, bringing together local businesses, community leaders, golfers and volunteers who support affordable housing and critical home repairs.

“Our annual Golf Tournament is much more than a day on the course,” said Stacy Floyd, development director for Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry. “Every sponsor, golfer and volunteer helps create opportunities for local families to achieve homeownership while also helping longtime homeowners remain safe and independent. It’s one of the best examples of neighbors coming together to make a lasting difference right here in the Lowcountry.”

Funds raised will support affordable home construction and critical home repairs throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties.

Communities grow stronger when neighbors invest in one another. Every home Habitat builds, every ramp it installs and every repair it completes represents a community working together to help families build a brighter future.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry, its affordable homeownership program, volunteer opportunities or the 29th annual Golf Tournament, visit www.lowcountryhabitat.org or call 843-681-5864.

Residents who may qualify for Habitat’s Critical Home Repair Program in Beaufort or Jasper counties, or for the AARP-funded wheelchair ramp program for eligible Bluffton residents, can call 843-681-5864 for more information.