Associates from BMW Manufacturing put aside auto assembly and picked up homebuilding for a few hours Nov. 6 when they helped start a new Habitat for Humanity home on Ruddy Creek Circle in Greer.
The home is a group effort involving BMW Plant Spartanburg employees along with Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County and Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg.
A wall raising is more than a ceremony that starts the process of building a new affordable home, Monroe Free, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County, said in a news release. It is the important first step that unites the volunteers with the family who will join them to put up drywall, nail on shingles and paint walls over the next few months.
"This is a celebration that marks the start of the construction phase for a new home," Free said in the news release. "It's a time to recognize the hard work that goes into building affordable housing, and to celebrate the families who will soon move into their new homes."
Raymond T. Davis, CEO of Habitat Spartanburg, said it is great to have community partners such as BMW to support the mission of affordable homeownership.
"Habitat Spartanburg is excited for this joint build with Habitat Greenville and BMW Manufacturing. We look forward to fulfilling our mission by sparking generational change and transforming our communities," Davis said in the release.
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"BMW Manufacturing is proud to continue our partnership with Habitat for Humanity and support the important work they are doing in our community," Max Metcalf, manager of Government and Community Relations for BMW Manufacturing, said in the release. "The mission of Habitat aligns with our commitment to making a lasting impact through teamwork, service and stewardship. It's an honor to work alongside the Habitat affiliates once again to not only build a house for a deserving family, but provide hope and opportunity to our community. Together, we are creating a better future for those who need it most."
The people who will live in the home will purchase it, Free said. A common misconception is that the houses are donated.
Habitat's homeowner preparation program includes courses in personal finance, budgeting, mortgages, credit, home maintenance and repair, conflict resolution, being a good neighbor, and others, the release stated. In addition, the prospective homeowner and family members must be willing to complete a minimum of 200 hours of volunteer service to Habitat. Known as "sweat equity," this includes working on the construction of the prospective homeowner's home, other Habitat homes and possibly volunteering at other nonprofit organizations.
"Habitat offers an unparalleled opportunity to help families with low income attain homeownership," Free said in the release.