FAQ

No. Habitat Spartanburg has a proven program in which we offer an opportunity for hardworking, deserving families to own a decent and affordable home. Our program is based on a model that gives families tools for long-term financial stability. Potential homeowners must complete financial stability and homeownership classes and earn sweat equity hours by working on the construction site or in the ReStore.

The answer varies for each Habitat affiliate, but we've found that Habitat Spartanburg families pay about $450 monthly for their mortgage, which includes taxes and insurance. In almost every case, this is much less than families were previously paying to live in substandard, rental housing and offers families an opportunity to save for emergencies, for college, and for the future.

Habitat Spartanburg builds inside Spartanburg County. Historically, our builds have primarily been in the city limits, but we have also built homes in Chesnee, Greer, Boiling Springs, Drayton and Inman.

There is additional information about homeowner qualifications on our Homeownership Page. In addition, you may reach out to Carolyn Smith, Program Services Specialist, at 864.591.2221 ext. 100 or carolyn.smith@habitatspartanburg.org to learn more about the first steps in our Homeownership Program.

We are fortunate to have a successful ReStore that covers most of our operational costs. So, every dollar received from the community (individuals, churches, corporations and foundations) to be used to purchase construction materials for the worksite. We are proud to be rated Four Stars on Charity Navigator -- a rating reserved for organizations that exceed industry standards and outperform most other charities in financial health and accountability and transparency.

Volunteers are the heart of our work. We have year-round opportunities for volunteers in a variety of settings, so please contact our Alexis Williams, Volunteer Coordinator with any questions at 864.591.2213!

Absolutely not! All skill levels are welcome. Our trained staff will help you with any task. Please be aware, however, that construction work requires volunteers to stand for long periods.

Our construction site hosts volunteers Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. We start our build day at 8:30 a.m. with a brief Habitat orientation, group prayer, and a required safety briefing. Please plan to arrive early enough to complete a waiver of liability, if you do not already have one. We finish our day at 4 p.m. Accommodations for larger groups can be made by breaking up our work day into two work shifts.

All volunteers are required to sign a waiver of liability and photography release. The wavier releases Habitat Spartanburg from any liability in the event of an accident or injury. Quite frequently, Habitat staff members take photos at the construction site to capture the progress of the home. The photography release gives our affiliate permission to use pictures in our newsletters, website, social media outlets or in other publications.

Tasks that are assigned daily vary. Construction site jobs often include framing, roofing, siding, insulation, drywall, painting, trim work, and landscaping. Our construction site supervisors will not ask a volunteer to attempt any task they feel uncomfortable performing.

You should plan to bring your own work gloves. Habitat will supply all other tools and safety equipment.

The safety of our volunteers is our primary focus. Please check the weather forecast for your volunteer day and dress accordingly, always wearing closed-toe shoes. Sometimes weather doesn't cooperate and we simply ask for your flexibility.

Construction site volunteers should complete the Volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity Job Site course prior to your scheduled build date. Volunteers that take this course will receive a certificate of completion.

Additional Safety: Volunteers can also watch a Habitat Construction Safety Orientation video for additional safety information.

ReStore volunteers should complete the ReStore Safety and Loss Control online safety course prior to your scheduled service date.

Volunteers need to bring their own lunch. You may also want to bring a snack for breaks. Water will be provided at the worksite.

You must be at least 16 years old to volunteer. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their waiver of liability and be accompanied by a responsible adult when volunteering. Youth volunteers are restricted from using power tools on the construction site, as well as working from a height above four (4) feet.

Future homeowners are required to complete 350 hours of sweat equity -- time they volunteer on the construction site or ReStore in lieu of a large downpayment at closing. There is a chance that when you come volunteer on the construction site you will work with a homeowner. Please feel free to speak with them and learn more about their Habitat experience!

Our construction site location changes frequently as we routinely have two or three work sites simultaneously underway. The Volunteer Coordinator will send you location details after you register.