Habitat for Humanity of Horry County Partners with Bank of America to Advance Affordable Housing Opportunities in Horry County
Funding will support Habitat’s goal of increasing annual construction output and building 60+ new homes
Habitat for Humanity of Horry County was recently awarded a $50,000 grant by Bank of America in support of its efforts to increase new home production to meet the rising need for affordable housing.
The grant funding kicks off Habitat Horry County’s ambitious plan to develop three subdivisions containing 52 new affordable homes over the next five years for local families in need of safe housing. These new subdivisions will include well-planned infrastructure, green spaces, and communal areas that promote a healthy, supportive neighborhood atmosphere. Simultaneously, the organization will produce a dozen infill properties throughout the county, helping to revitalize neighborhoods and make efficient use of existing infrastructure. The achievement of this plan will create a sustainable 100% annual increase in the organization’s capacity to produce housing for Horry County’s workforce.
For close to 35 years, the organization has proudly built more than 170 homes in Horry County, creating a legacy of stability and hope for countless families. Habitat Horry County’s commitment to service now goes beyond individual homes through the expansion of their efforts to include neighborhood revitalization and critical home repair – fostering a sense of community and preserving affordable housing.
Faced with rising construction costs, an unstable real estate market, mixed with an ever-growing need for housing our permanent workforce can afford, Habitat’s work is critical to the economic viability of Horry County. Horry County faces unique housing affordability challenges related to its coastal land mass, rapidly growing population, and lower wage jobs opportunities. The Habitat homebuyer program is a unique solution to the affordable housing crisis in Horry County. To meet the ever-growing need for housing that is affordable for our permanent workforce, the organization has strategically planned to build more and serve more than ever before.
“At Habitat for Humanity of Horry County, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. The $50,000 grant from Bank of America will help us expand our capacity to serve more families by developing the land needed to build homes that transform lives. With the growing demand for affordable housing in our community, this generous support brings us closer to our goal of providing stability and hope for more families in need. Bank of America has long been a committed community partner, and their dedication to giving back is creating lasting change in the lives of families across our county.” — Meagan Michal, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Horry County.
Habitat for Humanity of Horry County and Bank of America have a longstanding partnership centered around investing in underserved communities and partnering to support organizations focused on economic opportunity. Habitat for Humanity of Horry County was previously selected as the 2020 Bank of America Neighborhood Champion, and more recently, was awarded a grant for their Neighborhood Revitalization work in the Booker T. Washington community.
“Bank of America and Habitat for Humanity share a belief that investing in safe, affordable housing is about more than just building houses. These subdivisions will be vibrant, thriving communities that offer families and the local workforce a stable environment where they can build their lives, pursue economic opportunities, and foster a sense of belonging,” said Kelly Tyler, president, Bank of America Myrtle Beach. “Providing access to quality, affordable homes near places of employment is crucial for maintaining a robust local economy, as it helps to attract and retain skilled workers who are vital to the community’s well-being and economic prosperity.”
Per Habitat for Humanity International at habitat.org, “since 1986, Bank of America has donated more than $75 million to Habitat’s work, with more than $65.7 million in cash and property donations to Habitat for Humanity International and 35,000 employee hours to support the mission annually.”
