Brunswick Partnership for Housing and Brunswick County Habitat For Humanity Partner
Brunswick Partnership for Housing (BPH) and Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity (BCHfH) have developed an important partnership. This story is one of survival and perseverance helped by a minister, friend and two agencies working together to lift up a woman whose life has always been one step forward and two steps back.
She describes herself as a 24-year-old who lived a semi-rough life. It involved leaving home at 18 to do things better on her own, working odd jobs, coming back home, dropping out of school, working two jobs, living in her car to save money for rent, then a camper, then finding out she was pregnant. “When I found out I was pregnant, I thought my life got flipped upside down; that I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere,” she said. “But I kept moving … building my credit and working a second job. I have goals, dreams.” Then she was forced to leave the camper, and it was back to the car. That’s when her minister told BPH about her. She qualified for a transitional housing apartment. “It was a miracle,” she said. “This is the first time I’ve gotten help … especially from strangers.”
She continued to build her savings and credit, enrolled at Brunswick Community College to complete her high school diploma … then something else remarkable happened: a chance for permanent housing through BCHfH. “This was a unique opportunity for her. I knew she had put in the work, and so her minister and I reached out to Brunswick County Habitat,” said Sally Learned, BPH executive director.
BCHfH accepted her application, and after an interview process, she was offered the opportunity to experience home ownership by a unanimous board vote. “This is the first time we’ve partnered with another Brunswick County agency for a family,” said Jason Gaver, BCHfH executive director. “It speaks to how important this collaboration is to both agencies. In the ecosystem of nonprofits, we operate separately. But this is truly walking the walk. We recognize the need and demand for affordable housing in Brunswick County. Partnering is an ideal situation and is a step toward a greater mission to solve the housing needs here. Together we learn more and see more so we can reach as many people as possible.”
Before their new BCHfH partner family moves into her new home, she must fulfill 300 hours of sweat equity: 100 hours at the construction site, 100 hours given by friends and family and 100 hours in other areas of BCHfH to include ReStores. “I am so happy … two steps forward.” she said. “This opportunity brings transitional housing and Habitat together to help more families that need it.”