Case Statement 2011 Revised
Content
More Than Houses
A Case for Support
1
In response to
Table of Contents
God¶s love,
LowCountry Habitat for Humanity creates long-term
Executive Summary The Housing Need in Beaufort Why Homeownership Matters LaSaundra¶s Story How Habitat Helps History and Vision How We Will Get There: Volunteers How We Will Get There: Donors Funding Sources Expenses Board Staff
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15
partnerships
to build, renovate and repair
affordable housing with
volunteers and responsible
families in need.
2
Ex ecutive Summary
No family should have to choose between having a decent roof over their heads and
putting food on the table, or having air conditioning in the summer or adequate plumbing facilities. But as we all know, reality does not always respect what ³should be.´ There is a nation-wide crisis in affordable housing, and Beaufort County is not immune. LowCountry Habitat for Humanity works vigorously to respond to the on-going crisis by making decent, affordable housing possible in our community. In order to provide the basics in life, many families in our community are forced to live in unstable, unsafe and substandard housing. Naturally, there are threats to the health of the families who live in these untenable situations. Prolonged instability leads to family disintegration, failing job and school performance, and sense of self-respect. Houses, in turn, form only one part of our vision. While it would be possible to simply build houses and give them to families in need, we have a homeownership process that allows families to empower themselves as first-time homeowners. As the saying goes, Habitat is a ³hand-up, not a hand-out!´ As people come together in these projects to contribute what they can, we are building a stronger community along the way. LowCountry Habitat has been active in northern Beaufort County since 1990, and we feel that our work has still only just begun. The board of directors approved implementing a strategic plan to see us move from building two houses a year to building three to four houses a year to meet the escalating housing need in our area. Having completed our 37th home in April of 2011, LowCountry Habitat is poised for another exciting year of growth. Please continue reading to learn more about our ongoing work and impact in our community and how we plan to reach our goals. As you will see there is both reason and opportunity to involve yourself in building a brighter future for our partner families and our communities.
3
The Housing Need in Beaufort«
In 2009, according to the US Census Bureau, Beaufort County still had 10.1% of people living under the poverty line (defined as those who make less than 50% of the median income), a number sure to go up due to the collapse of the financial system and its effect on the local economy. A 2006 survey found that respondents across the entire state of South Carolina listed ³affordable housing´ as the number one ³priority need.´ A report issued in January of 2010 showed Beaufort County to be slightly above the national average in cost-of-living. Our program differs from others in that, in the words of one of our major donors, it is ³something you can touch and feel.´ We provide permanent homeownership ± something that stands the test of time. In terms of homeownership in Beaufort County, the statistics are equally alarming as the ones mentioned above. In 2006 our per capita income was number one in a state of 46 counties. However, at the same time, our homeownership rate of 72.3% put us at ninth lowest. The disturbing statistic is that our Fair Market Rent is also the highest in the state at $772. These are the unfortunate situations most of our partner families find themselves in.
4
Why Homeownership Matters««
On achievement tests, children of homeowners score 9% higher in reading and 7% higher in math than children of renters. By age 20, children of homeowners were half as likely to be idle and rely on welfare as an adult. Neighborhoods with at least an 80% rate of homeownership generate a $5,000 premium on house prices in the area. Homeowners are more likely to own their own businesses because of the significant collateral available to them from home equity for bank loans and new businesses. Homeowners have higher rates of civic participation, with 25% greater participation in elections, 12% greater likelihood of knowing their U.S. Congress representative by name, and a 25% greater membership in civic and non-professional organizations.
5
LaSaundra¶s Story
Like many volunteers and homeowners now involved with LowCountry Habitat, LaSaundra Holmes was brought into the program by a friend whom she nearly ³brushed off.´ As fate would have it, she instead attended a homeowner orientation meeting in early 2010 and found that she met the critera for homeownership. LaSaundra, a four-year employee of the Beaufort County Disabilities and Special Needs agency, knew something about need. At the time of her application she was living in a crowded, aging mobile home on St. Helena with her mother, her older sister LaKesha ± who suffers from debilitating spina bifida ± her younger sister Rae, and her own three boys; Savion, DaQuan and Mahki. In August of 2010, her mother, Linda Holmes, passed away after a long and valiant fight against cancer. Instead of setting her back, it only served to make LaSaundra more determined to step in and ensure her family¶s well-being. ³I had to complete the sweat equity hours because I knew that I would then have a place I could actually call my own,´ she said. In April that became a reality for LaSaundra. She and her family moved into a new house near Penn Center on St. Helena that was built and funded by LowCountry Habitat volunteers and donors. LaSaundra is no stranger to human struggle, yet she has taken on the responsibility of raising her family with the pride and dignity inherited through her mother. Because of the move to a more spacious, wheelchair-accessible environment, LaKesha Holmes is now thriving. Rae is planning on joining the Air Force once she graduates from Beaufort High School. LaSaundra¶s three boys no longer have to share a cramped bedroom with their mother, and can play safely in their yard ± as all little boys should be able to do. Motivated by the chance to give her boys ³their own space,´ through owning a Habitat house, LaSaundra has done much more than that ± she¶s given them a chance at a better life!
How Habitat Helps«
6
Each year, our qualified homeowner applicants earn at least $22,000 annually, yet, depending on family size, less than 60% of the median income. This puts them in a very small economic window. As the sample budget shows below, an applicant in this circumstance has no room for ³extras´ like health, dental or renter¶s insurance. Monthly Rent (2 bedroom) Utilities Gas, Auto Insurance Groceries Childcare Garbage Miscellaneous $800 $270 $175 $250 $150 $20 $190 $1855 Annually $9600 $3240 $2100 $3000 $1800 $240 $2280 $22260
Though the Miscellaneous line item could cover some of the costs of household and school supplies, clothes, unexpected trips to the doctor, prescriptions and more, one bad month could cause serious financial hardship. How could someone with such a tight budget create more financial flexibility? Unlike many of the other ³fixed´ budget items, housing costs can be lower, though often safety and healthiness fall along with the price. However, with LowCountry Habitat, the average monthly mortgage payment for a homeowner is $440. In that scenario, families can find several hundred dollars more at the end of each month while still living in a safe, decent house. With the monthly savings on a mortgage payment versus rent, you not only invest in ownership, you save an average of
$360 a month and $4320 a year.
Aside from providing opportunity for savings, this amount would be more than enough to pay for a year of tuition and fees at the Technical College of the Lowcountry, USCB, or health and dental insurance.
History and Vision
7
LowCountry Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat
manifests itself through local affiliates so that all operations can have maximum relevance to individual communities. The international Habitat for Humanity movement began in Americus, GA in 1976 with Millard and Linda Fuller. They founded Habitat with the conviction that every person deserves a decent place to live. They believed that communities can come together to make this possible for their neighbors in need. LowCountry Habitat has built 37 homes since its inception in 1990, including houses in the City of Beaufort, Port Royal, St. Helena, and Yemassee. The end result of these has been the provision of safe, affordable housing for over 40 adults and 120 children.
1976 1990 1991 2003 2004 2006 2008
Habitat for Humanity International founded LowCountry Habitat for Humanity founded
First house built by LowCountry Habitat on St. Helena LowCountry Habitat hires first Executive Director ReStore started in Port Royal Affiliate moves office and ReStore to Parris Island Gateway
Completion of ³Block-by-Block´ ± Repair of over 32 homes in Beaufort¶s NW Quadrant
In 2011, the Board of Directors of LowCountry Habitat for Humanity affirmed
the need
and desire to continue to build new houses at a rate of 3-4 houses per year, the goal that was achieved in 2010. Construction of 4 new homes is planned from the end of 2011
through June of 2012.
How we will get there«.
Volunteers
8
We believe that building in ³The Habitat Way´ is a transformative experience that is more than just hands-on work and even distinct among volunteer opportunities elsewhere. The way we pursue our mission is just as important to us as the actual accomplishment. We understand that everyone has the potential to become a champion of our work, and that even the most mundane of tasks has a higher overall purpose. Our volunteer opportunities include:
Construction. Swinging a hammer is usually the first image one has in mind when
thinking of Habitat. There¶s good reason for that. Our volunteers on the job site generally log over 2,500 hours per house. There are opportunities for leadership and camaraderie on the job site, as they have brought together women (Women Build), fellow employees (Grayco House), church members (Apostles Build), and neighborhoods (Dataw, Spring, Habersham and Fripp Houses).
ReStore. Since 2004, LowCountry Habitat has operated a ReStore, with a convenient
location on Parris Island Gateway. We receive donations of new and gently used building materials, furniture, books, appliances, sporting goods, and other collectibles. We then sell the items at a discounted rate with all proceeds going right back into our affordable housing program. Volunteers help us drive the trucks, load and unload goods, stock the floor, clean the items, work the cash registers, and generally ensure a good experience with both donors and consumers.
Family Services. There are two main ways to get involved with serving our partner
families. The Family Selection Committee reviews applications for homeownerships and recommends potential families best-suited for our program. Our Family Partners provide support to the chosen families as they are in the transition to becoming a homeowner. Partnering begins when a family is selected to receive a Habitat house. It continues through construction of the home and, often, months and years afterward, lifelong friendships are cemented in this role.
Committee Participation. The people who make up our committees, including those
that are less visible, are crucial to our success. They often make the decisions and lay the groundwork that makes our work possible. Committees for the ReStore, Finance, Site Development, and Fundraising are dynamic, stimulating positions that are comprised solely of volunteers with expertise and interest in the subjects.
Office Support. Whether helping with mass mailings, entering data, or just folding
newsletters, office volunteers provide vital assistance in various tasks.
How we will get there«.
Donors
9
Even if legions of volunteers stood ready to build houses, nothing could happen without donations of money and materials. Donors are essential partners in our homebuilding process, as they invest in the future of their community by helping sponsor a house. There are numerous ways to begin a financial partnership with LowCountry Habitat:
Individual Donors. Each time an individual writes
a check to our organization they contribute to the backbone of our organizational funding. Just like swinging a hammer, a financial partnership is a chance to give back to your community. You can contribute through sponsoring a home, transferring funds electronically, matching gift programs, planned giving through a financial advisor, and giving online or through the mail.
Corporations and Local Businesses. Each year businesses decide to give back
to the community in which they operate through LowCountry Habitat. No better example exists than Richard Gray, Sr., owner of Grayco. In 2007, Mr. Gray decided he wanted Grayco to be a house sponsor. He then wrote the check and signed his employees up to work on the house. Motivated by helping with a project in which he could get to know the homeowner and participate in something he could ³touch and feel,´ he gave generously of time and money. We have also benefited from partnerships with BB&T, Lowe¶s, Wal-Mart, Wells Fargo and others.
Faith Groups. Because we are an ecumenical Christian organization, faith groups are
natural partners. In fact, local parishioners were instrumental in founding our affiliate in 1990, and we have had a long-time, local pastor serve as our Board Chairman. Financial partnership with us is a chance for churches and faith groups to be the hands and feet of God as they serve those in need. Coming together with other denominations to build a house, as they have done in 2006 and 2008, is a unique and rewarding experience.
In-Kind Donations. Each time a business decides to contribute goods and services to
LowCountry Habit, they save the organization thousands of dollars that would have otherwise been directed to purchases. Examples include Keith¶s Plumbing, Quality Electric, Ward Edwards Engineering, Allison-Ramsey Architects, Carolina Air, and others. If you have a product or service that you think may benefit Habitat, we could almost certainly make it a good fit.
Funding Sources
As a registered 501c(3) non-profit, the bulk of our income comes through private funding, and can be broken into a number of categories:
10
Individual Donations. Funds donated to the organization by individuals who believe in
our mission to provide affordable housing in northern Beaufort County.
Foundations/Grants. These are non-profit organizations and corporations that support
us financially. Examples include the Coastal Community Foundation and the Wells Fargo Foundation.
Businesses. Many businesses contribute to help make our work possible through both
financial and in-kind donations. These include Grayco, Ward Edwards Engineering, AllisonRamsey Architects, and Keith¶s Plumbing.
Government Grants. We have had the opportunity in recent years to take advantage
of stimulus funds disbursed by the federal government in the form of NSP (Neighborhood Stabilization Program) and SHOP (Self-help Homeownership Opportunity Program).
ReStore. Thanks to deft management and the work of volunteers, our ReStore has held
steady during the economic meltdown and continues to bring in significant funding for our program.
Homeowner Mortgage Payments. Habitat is the mortgage-holder on all of the
houses we have completed. The monthly mortgage payments that Habitat receives go a long way towards ensuring the highest possible percentage of donated dollars goes back into homebuilding.
Funding (minus mortgage payments)
Individuals/Businesses Foundations/Grants Other Sources ReStore
Expenses
As with every non-profit, we have expenses outside of just what we put back into the program. Our major expenses are as follows:
11
House-Building. The most significant portion of our program funds are used to build
homes with partner families. In 2010-2011 we completed 6 houses ± three new construction and 3 complete renovations, while 82% of our expenses went towards construction and other mission-specific costs.
Administrative Expenses. As noted before, we do things efficiently at LowCountry
Habitat, and that includes spending money towards salaries and overhead costs. Our employees believe in our mission as much (or, some would say even more than) anyone else. Our administrative expenses account for only 14% of our budget.
Development. The old business adage that ³you have to spend money to make money,´
applies to nonprofits as well, but, again, we have a targeted approach to how much we spend on mailings, postage, publications, insurance, travel, and other ancillary expenses, which account for roughly 4% of our budget.
Expenses
Construction Administrative Ancillaries
Meet our Board«
Our active board of directors is comprised members from diverse backgrounds who passion for affordable housing. Each contributes his or her own unique of community share a common board member expertise to help form 12
the affiliate¶s strategic direction. In addition to shared oversight, board members also serve on other volunteer committees and expand sources of financial support. Steve Keeler ± Chairman Bob Albon ± Vice-Chairman Jim Laughnane ± Secretary Russ Dimke ± Treasurer Steve Andrews Ted Becker Buddy Coleman Ines Figueroa Jim Gibson Nancy Gilley Susie Gombocz Freddie Lawton Leon Meadows Edward Smalls
«And
Our Staff
Our staff brings more than experience and relevant skills to making Habitat¶s work a success. They also collectively bring a contagious passion for the 13
cause of decent, affordable housing and a desire to join their work with a higher purpose. Habitat is a significantly volunteer-driven organization, and if they are the building of our organization, our staff serves as the ground floor and framework. Brenda Dooley ± Executive Director Jim Inlow ± Construction Manager Jenny Drake ± ReStore Manager Ryan Copeland ± Resource Development Director Jennifer Shaffer ± Executive Assistant David Baum ± Accountant Scott Hall ± ReStore Assistant Manager Barry Schellhase ± ReStore Damon Dunham ± ReStore
How YOU Can Help
Thank you for taking time to explore our organization. Hopefully you have learned about the people we partner with and how we plan to accomplish our goals. We believe that through a 14
strong community effort we can end substandard housing in northern Beaufort County. Will you join us as we change the face of affordable housing in Beaufort? You have the opportunity to positively alter the life course of a family like LaSaundra¶s. Each family that partners with us is working to beat the odds, and you can provide the ³hand up´ they need. Imagine the difference you can make. Because of their new home LaSaundra, her children and her sisters¶ will not be defined by their past struggles but by the boundless opportunities in their future«made possible by your investment in their lives. Please consider helping a family through a major gift. There are a number of partnership levels available. If you are interested in any of the partnership opportunities, Ryan Copeland, Resource Development Director, would welcome the opportunity to discuss them with you. Please contact him by either phone (843-522-3500) or email ([email protected]).
Photo courtesy of Steffan Hacker, Habitat for Humanity International
FULL HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
As a full house sponsor you contribute $50,000 to build a complete house. This means that everything from the foundation to the front door will be provided by your investment. Individual donors will be acknowledged as they
15
wish and receive opportunities to interact with the partner family. Corporate/Business benefits include: y y y y Press release distributed to all major media outlets Courtesy of Steffan Hacker Signage on the construction site with high visibility Featured story in our quarterly newsletter and monthly e-newsletter reaching approximately 4,000 people. Recognition as a corporate partner on our website
HALF HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
A sponsor at this level contributes $25,000 to the construction of a single home. Corporate/business benefits include: y y y y Press releases distributed to all major media outlets Signage on the construction site with high visibility Featured story in our e-newsletter reaching approximately 2,000 people Recognition as a corporate partner on our website
FRAMING SPONSORSHIP
A framing sponsor contributes $10,000 for part the lumber package, roofing and siding materials for a single house. Benefits include: y y y Press releases distributed to all major media outlets Signage on the construction site with high visibility Recognition as a corporate partner on our website
UTILITIES SPONSORSHIP
A utilities sponsor contributes $5,000, the approximate cost of electrical and plumbing materials for one Habitat house. Benefits include: y y Signage on the construction site with high visibility Recognition as a corporate partner on our website
16
LowCountry Habitat for Humanity 616 Parris Island Gateway Beaufort, SC 29906 (843) 522-3500 (843) 522-3553 (fax) ReStore ± (843) 525-0055 www.lowcountryhabitat.org www.facebook.com/LowCountryHabitat
17
A Case for Support
1
In response to
Table of Contents
God¶s love,
LowCountry Habitat for Humanity creates long-term
Executive Summary The Housing Need in Beaufort Why Homeownership Matters LaSaundra¶s Story How Habitat Helps History and Vision How We Will Get There: Volunteers How We Will Get There: Donors Funding Sources Expenses Board Staff
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15
partnerships
to build, renovate and repair
affordable housing with
volunteers and responsible
families in need.
2
Ex ecutive Summary
No family should have to choose between having a decent roof over their heads and
putting food on the table, or having air conditioning in the summer or adequate plumbing facilities. But as we all know, reality does not always respect what ³should be.´ There is a nation-wide crisis in affordable housing, and Beaufort County is not immune. LowCountry Habitat for Humanity works vigorously to respond to the on-going crisis by making decent, affordable housing possible in our community. In order to provide the basics in life, many families in our community are forced to live in unstable, unsafe and substandard housing. Naturally, there are threats to the health of the families who live in these untenable situations. Prolonged instability leads to family disintegration, failing job and school performance, and sense of self-respect. Houses, in turn, form only one part of our vision. While it would be possible to simply build houses and give them to families in need, we have a homeownership process that allows families to empower themselves as first-time homeowners. As the saying goes, Habitat is a ³hand-up, not a hand-out!´ As people come together in these projects to contribute what they can, we are building a stronger community along the way. LowCountry Habitat has been active in northern Beaufort County since 1990, and we feel that our work has still only just begun. The board of directors approved implementing a strategic plan to see us move from building two houses a year to building three to four houses a year to meet the escalating housing need in our area. Having completed our 37th home in April of 2011, LowCountry Habitat is poised for another exciting year of growth. Please continue reading to learn more about our ongoing work and impact in our community and how we plan to reach our goals. As you will see there is both reason and opportunity to involve yourself in building a brighter future for our partner families and our communities.
3
The Housing Need in Beaufort«
In 2009, according to the US Census Bureau, Beaufort County still had 10.1% of people living under the poverty line (defined as those who make less than 50% of the median income), a number sure to go up due to the collapse of the financial system and its effect on the local economy. A 2006 survey found that respondents across the entire state of South Carolina listed ³affordable housing´ as the number one ³priority need.´ A report issued in January of 2010 showed Beaufort County to be slightly above the national average in cost-of-living. Our program differs from others in that, in the words of one of our major donors, it is ³something you can touch and feel.´ We provide permanent homeownership ± something that stands the test of time. In terms of homeownership in Beaufort County, the statistics are equally alarming as the ones mentioned above. In 2006 our per capita income was number one in a state of 46 counties. However, at the same time, our homeownership rate of 72.3% put us at ninth lowest. The disturbing statistic is that our Fair Market Rent is also the highest in the state at $772. These are the unfortunate situations most of our partner families find themselves in.
4
Why Homeownership Matters««
On achievement tests, children of homeowners score 9% higher in reading and 7% higher in math than children of renters. By age 20, children of homeowners were half as likely to be idle and rely on welfare as an adult. Neighborhoods with at least an 80% rate of homeownership generate a $5,000 premium on house prices in the area. Homeowners are more likely to own their own businesses because of the significant collateral available to them from home equity for bank loans and new businesses. Homeowners have higher rates of civic participation, with 25% greater participation in elections, 12% greater likelihood of knowing their U.S. Congress representative by name, and a 25% greater membership in civic and non-professional organizations.
5
LaSaundra¶s Story
Like many volunteers and homeowners now involved with LowCountry Habitat, LaSaundra Holmes was brought into the program by a friend whom she nearly ³brushed off.´ As fate would have it, she instead attended a homeowner orientation meeting in early 2010 and found that she met the critera for homeownership. LaSaundra, a four-year employee of the Beaufort County Disabilities and Special Needs agency, knew something about need. At the time of her application she was living in a crowded, aging mobile home on St. Helena with her mother, her older sister LaKesha ± who suffers from debilitating spina bifida ± her younger sister Rae, and her own three boys; Savion, DaQuan and Mahki. In August of 2010, her mother, Linda Holmes, passed away after a long and valiant fight against cancer. Instead of setting her back, it only served to make LaSaundra more determined to step in and ensure her family¶s well-being. ³I had to complete the sweat equity hours because I knew that I would then have a place I could actually call my own,´ she said. In April that became a reality for LaSaundra. She and her family moved into a new house near Penn Center on St. Helena that was built and funded by LowCountry Habitat volunteers and donors. LaSaundra is no stranger to human struggle, yet she has taken on the responsibility of raising her family with the pride and dignity inherited through her mother. Because of the move to a more spacious, wheelchair-accessible environment, LaKesha Holmes is now thriving. Rae is planning on joining the Air Force once she graduates from Beaufort High School. LaSaundra¶s three boys no longer have to share a cramped bedroom with their mother, and can play safely in their yard ± as all little boys should be able to do. Motivated by the chance to give her boys ³their own space,´ through owning a Habitat house, LaSaundra has done much more than that ± she¶s given them a chance at a better life!
How Habitat Helps«
6
Each year, our qualified homeowner applicants earn at least $22,000 annually, yet, depending on family size, less than 60% of the median income. This puts them in a very small economic window. As the sample budget shows below, an applicant in this circumstance has no room for ³extras´ like health, dental or renter¶s insurance. Monthly Rent (2 bedroom) Utilities Gas, Auto Insurance Groceries Childcare Garbage Miscellaneous $800 $270 $175 $250 $150 $20 $190 $1855 Annually $9600 $3240 $2100 $3000 $1800 $240 $2280 $22260
Though the Miscellaneous line item could cover some of the costs of household and school supplies, clothes, unexpected trips to the doctor, prescriptions and more, one bad month could cause serious financial hardship. How could someone with such a tight budget create more financial flexibility? Unlike many of the other ³fixed´ budget items, housing costs can be lower, though often safety and healthiness fall along with the price. However, with LowCountry Habitat, the average monthly mortgage payment for a homeowner is $440. In that scenario, families can find several hundred dollars more at the end of each month while still living in a safe, decent house. With the monthly savings on a mortgage payment versus rent, you not only invest in ownership, you save an average of
$360 a month and $4320 a year.
Aside from providing opportunity for savings, this amount would be more than enough to pay for a year of tuition and fees at the Technical College of the Lowcountry, USCB, or health and dental insurance.
History and Vision
7
LowCountry Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat
manifests itself through local affiliates so that all operations can have maximum relevance to individual communities. The international Habitat for Humanity movement began in Americus, GA in 1976 with Millard and Linda Fuller. They founded Habitat with the conviction that every person deserves a decent place to live. They believed that communities can come together to make this possible for their neighbors in need. LowCountry Habitat has built 37 homes since its inception in 1990, including houses in the City of Beaufort, Port Royal, St. Helena, and Yemassee. The end result of these has been the provision of safe, affordable housing for over 40 adults and 120 children.
1976 1990 1991 2003 2004 2006 2008
Habitat for Humanity International founded LowCountry Habitat for Humanity founded
First house built by LowCountry Habitat on St. Helena LowCountry Habitat hires first Executive Director ReStore started in Port Royal Affiliate moves office and ReStore to Parris Island Gateway
Completion of ³Block-by-Block´ ± Repair of over 32 homes in Beaufort¶s NW Quadrant
In 2011, the Board of Directors of LowCountry Habitat for Humanity affirmed
the need
and desire to continue to build new houses at a rate of 3-4 houses per year, the goal that was achieved in 2010. Construction of 4 new homes is planned from the end of 2011
through June of 2012.
How we will get there«.
Volunteers
8
We believe that building in ³The Habitat Way´ is a transformative experience that is more than just hands-on work and even distinct among volunteer opportunities elsewhere. The way we pursue our mission is just as important to us as the actual accomplishment. We understand that everyone has the potential to become a champion of our work, and that even the most mundane of tasks has a higher overall purpose. Our volunteer opportunities include:
Construction. Swinging a hammer is usually the first image one has in mind when
thinking of Habitat. There¶s good reason for that. Our volunteers on the job site generally log over 2,500 hours per house. There are opportunities for leadership and camaraderie on the job site, as they have brought together women (Women Build), fellow employees (Grayco House), church members (Apostles Build), and neighborhoods (Dataw, Spring, Habersham and Fripp Houses).
ReStore. Since 2004, LowCountry Habitat has operated a ReStore, with a convenient
location on Parris Island Gateway. We receive donations of new and gently used building materials, furniture, books, appliances, sporting goods, and other collectibles. We then sell the items at a discounted rate with all proceeds going right back into our affordable housing program. Volunteers help us drive the trucks, load and unload goods, stock the floor, clean the items, work the cash registers, and generally ensure a good experience with both donors and consumers.
Family Services. There are two main ways to get involved with serving our partner
families. The Family Selection Committee reviews applications for homeownerships and recommends potential families best-suited for our program. Our Family Partners provide support to the chosen families as they are in the transition to becoming a homeowner. Partnering begins when a family is selected to receive a Habitat house. It continues through construction of the home and, often, months and years afterward, lifelong friendships are cemented in this role.
Committee Participation. The people who make up our committees, including those
that are less visible, are crucial to our success. They often make the decisions and lay the groundwork that makes our work possible. Committees for the ReStore, Finance, Site Development, and Fundraising are dynamic, stimulating positions that are comprised solely of volunteers with expertise and interest in the subjects.
Office Support. Whether helping with mass mailings, entering data, or just folding
newsletters, office volunteers provide vital assistance in various tasks.
How we will get there«.
Donors
9
Even if legions of volunteers stood ready to build houses, nothing could happen without donations of money and materials. Donors are essential partners in our homebuilding process, as they invest in the future of their community by helping sponsor a house. There are numerous ways to begin a financial partnership with LowCountry Habitat:
Individual Donors. Each time an individual writes
a check to our organization they contribute to the backbone of our organizational funding. Just like swinging a hammer, a financial partnership is a chance to give back to your community. You can contribute through sponsoring a home, transferring funds electronically, matching gift programs, planned giving through a financial advisor, and giving online or through the mail.
Corporations and Local Businesses. Each year businesses decide to give back
to the community in which they operate through LowCountry Habitat. No better example exists than Richard Gray, Sr., owner of Grayco. In 2007, Mr. Gray decided he wanted Grayco to be a house sponsor. He then wrote the check and signed his employees up to work on the house. Motivated by helping with a project in which he could get to know the homeowner and participate in something he could ³touch and feel,´ he gave generously of time and money. We have also benefited from partnerships with BB&T, Lowe¶s, Wal-Mart, Wells Fargo and others.
Faith Groups. Because we are an ecumenical Christian organization, faith groups are
natural partners. In fact, local parishioners were instrumental in founding our affiliate in 1990, and we have had a long-time, local pastor serve as our Board Chairman. Financial partnership with us is a chance for churches and faith groups to be the hands and feet of God as they serve those in need. Coming together with other denominations to build a house, as they have done in 2006 and 2008, is a unique and rewarding experience.
In-Kind Donations. Each time a business decides to contribute goods and services to
LowCountry Habit, they save the organization thousands of dollars that would have otherwise been directed to purchases. Examples include Keith¶s Plumbing, Quality Electric, Ward Edwards Engineering, Allison-Ramsey Architects, Carolina Air, and others. If you have a product or service that you think may benefit Habitat, we could almost certainly make it a good fit.
Funding Sources
As a registered 501c(3) non-profit, the bulk of our income comes through private funding, and can be broken into a number of categories:
10
Individual Donations. Funds donated to the organization by individuals who believe in
our mission to provide affordable housing in northern Beaufort County.
Foundations/Grants. These are non-profit organizations and corporations that support
us financially. Examples include the Coastal Community Foundation and the Wells Fargo Foundation.
Businesses. Many businesses contribute to help make our work possible through both
financial and in-kind donations. These include Grayco, Ward Edwards Engineering, AllisonRamsey Architects, and Keith¶s Plumbing.
Government Grants. We have had the opportunity in recent years to take advantage
of stimulus funds disbursed by the federal government in the form of NSP (Neighborhood Stabilization Program) and SHOP (Self-help Homeownership Opportunity Program).
ReStore. Thanks to deft management and the work of volunteers, our ReStore has held
steady during the economic meltdown and continues to bring in significant funding for our program.
Homeowner Mortgage Payments. Habitat is the mortgage-holder on all of the
houses we have completed. The monthly mortgage payments that Habitat receives go a long way towards ensuring the highest possible percentage of donated dollars goes back into homebuilding.
Funding (minus mortgage payments)
Individuals/Businesses Foundations/Grants Other Sources ReStore
Expenses
As with every non-profit, we have expenses outside of just what we put back into the program. Our major expenses are as follows:
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House-Building. The most significant portion of our program funds are used to build
homes with partner families. In 2010-2011 we completed 6 houses ± three new construction and 3 complete renovations, while 82% of our expenses went towards construction and other mission-specific costs.
Administrative Expenses. As noted before, we do things efficiently at LowCountry
Habitat, and that includes spending money towards salaries and overhead costs. Our employees believe in our mission as much (or, some would say even more than) anyone else. Our administrative expenses account for only 14% of our budget.
Development. The old business adage that ³you have to spend money to make money,´
applies to nonprofits as well, but, again, we have a targeted approach to how much we spend on mailings, postage, publications, insurance, travel, and other ancillary expenses, which account for roughly 4% of our budget.
Expenses
Construction Administrative Ancillaries
Meet our Board«
Our active board of directors is comprised members from diverse backgrounds who passion for affordable housing. Each contributes his or her own unique of community share a common board member expertise to help form 12
the affiliate¶s strategic direction. In addition to shared oversight, board members also serve on other volunteer committees and expand sources of financial support. Steve Keeler ± Chairman Bob Albon ± Vice-Chairman Jim Laughnane ± Secretary Russ Dimke ± Treasurer Steve Andrews Ted Becker Buddy Coleman Ines Figueroa Jim Gibson Nancy Gilley Susie Gombocz Freddie Lawton Leon Meadows Edward Smalls
«And
Our Staff
Our staff brings more than experience and relevant skills to making Habitat¶s work a success. They also collectively bring a contagious passion for the 13
cause of decent, affordable housing and a desire to join their work with a higher purpose. Habitat is a significantly volunteer-driven organization, and if they are the building of our organization, our staff serves as the ground floor and framework. Brenda Dooley ± Executive Director Jim Inlow ± Construction Manager Jenny Drake ± ReStore Manager Ryan Copeland ± Resource Development Director Jennifer Shaffer ± Executive Assistant David Baum ± Accountant Scott Hall ± ReStore Assistant Manager Barry Schellhase ± ReStore Damon Dunham ± ReStore
How YOU Can Help
Thank you for taking time to explore our organization. Hopefully you have learned about the people we partner with and how we plan to accomplish our goals. We believe that through a 14
strong community effort we can end substandard housing in northern Beaufort County. Will you join us as we change the face of affordable housing in Beaufort? You have the opportunity to positively alter the life course of a family like LaSaundra¶s. Each family that partners with us is working to beat the odds, and you can provide the ³hand up´ they need. Imagine the difference you can make. Because of their new home LaSaundra, her children and her sisters¶ will not be defined by their past struggles but by the boundless opportunities in their future«made possible by your investment in their lives. Please consider helping a family through a major gift. There are a number of partnership levels available. If you are interested in any of the partnership opportunities, Ryan Copeland, Resource Development Director, would welcome the opportunity to discuss them with you. Please contact him by either phone (843-522-3500) or email ([email protected]).
Photo courtesy of Steffan Hacker, Habitat for Humanity International
FULL HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
As a full house sponsor you contribute $50,000 to build a complete house. This means that everything from the foundation to the front door will be provided by your investment. Individual donors will be acknowledged as they
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wish and receive opportunities to interact with the partner family. Corporate/Business benefits include: y y y y Press release distributed to all major media outlets Courtesy of Steffan Hacker Signage on the construction site with high visibility Featured story in our quarterly newsletter and monthly e-newsletter reaching approximately 4,000 people. Recognition as a corporate partner on our website
HALF HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
A sponsor at this level contributes $25,000 to the construction of a single home. Corporate/business benefits include: y y y y Press releases distributed to all major media outlets Signage on the construction site with high visibility Featured story in our e-newsletter reaching approximately 2,000 people Recognition as a corporate partner on our website
FRAMING SPONSORSHIP
A framing sponsor contributes $10,000 for part the lumber package, roofing and siding materials for a single house. Benefits include: y y y Press releases distributed to all major media outlets Signage on the construction site with high visibility Recognition as a corporate partner on our website
UTILITIES SPONSORSHIP
A utilities sponsor contributes $5,000, the approximate cost of electrical and plumbing materials for one Habitat house. Benefits include: y y Signage on the construction site with high visibility Recognition as a corporate partner on our website
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LowCountry Habitat for Humanity 616 Parris Island Gateway Beaufort, SC 29906 (843) 522-3500 (843) 522-3553 (fax) ReStore ± (843) 525-0055 www.lowcountryhabitat.org www.facebook.com/LowCountryHabitat
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