"God's people working together for better housing."

On January 20, 2002, it was announced in the Worship Service that First Presbyterian Church of Clinton had become a partner with the local Habitat for Humanity organization. Members of First Presbyterian had long been involved in projects with Habitat for Humanity, frequently sending a youth mission team to aid wherever people needed help. We are pleased now to be included as partners in the local effort to help those who really need it.  Through that partnership, volunteers from the church began work in April by clearing the lot on which to build a house for a single mother and her four children.  The vast majority of the volunteer labor for that house was done by members of 1st Presbyterian along with the homeowner and her older son.  Her younger children helped with things like clean-up.  The house was completed and turned over to the homeowner in October.

Historical Highlights

In the fall of 1990, Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity International, met with invited guests at Presbyterian College.

The Presbyterian College Chaplain, Greg Henley, and Professor Meredith Holder moved the process along. By the end of April and the month of May in 1991, Laurens County Habitat for Humanity had become an affiliate and had elected the first Board of Directors and committee members.  In June 1993, the first house was completed in Laurens and since that time, six more houses have been completed, three in Laurens and three in Clinton.

Tom Plaxico of Clinton was also especially involved in our affiliate. He sought and encouraged people in the county to support and become involved in providing more adequate housing for people not as able to afford this. Tom urged fellow realtors to become involved. He also served on the Site Selection Committee. His vision of where a house might be built eventually became the site of the third house built in Laurens County.

Affordable Housing

Four houses have to date been built in Laurens County. Most of the construction has been done by volunteers. Because the labor was donated, the cost of the house was much less than a house usually costs. Businesses contributed with materials, heating/air conditioning systems and appliances, further reducing the cost. Also, Habitat for Humanity does not charge interest on the mortgage. A condition the recipients must fulfill is that they must contribute to the construction, becoming part of the crew of volunteer laborers.

Building Relationships

This ministry provides houses for those less able to afford them, and they become involved, coming from different backgrounds, races, and locations. God has employed Habitat for Humanity in bringing people together and we encourage you to find out and become part of what the Lord God is doing among us with this ministry.

Our Current Project

Volunteers from our church along with students and staff from Presbyterian College are providing significant labor on a house nearing completion in Laurens.  It is anticipated that in spring 2006, a new house will be started in Clinton with our church being its primary supporter.