Columbia, S.C. – Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity has received a generous, unrestricted gift from an anonymous donor known as The Cheerful Giver, made through the Central Carolina Community Foundation. The contribution comes as the organization marks 40 years of building homes and hope in the Midlands.
This investment will help Central SC Habitat expand access to affordable homeownership in Richland, Lexington, and Fairfield counties at a time of rising housing costs and increased demand for attainable housing.
“The Cheerful Giver is truly putting God’s love into action through this gift,” said Moryah Jackson, Executive Director of Central SC Habitat for Humanity. “We are grateful for their generosity and for the Central Carolina Community Foundation’s stewardship. Habitat for Humanity has a proven, scalable model. Right here in the Midlands, we’ve built 289 homes and 111 homeowners have fully paid off their mortgages. This gift helps us extend that 40-year track record by strengthening our local workforce, stabilizing neighborhoods, and creating more pathways to wealth-building and opportunity across our community. Most importantly, it helps more of our neighbors have a safe, affordable place to call home.”
Contrary to a common misconception, Habitat for Humanity does not give away free houses. Homebuyers purchase their homes with an affordable mortgage, which is less than 30% of their annual income, contribute sweat equity, and complete financial education and homeownership preparation. The result is a disciplined, partnership-based approach that delivers measurable outcomes.
Affordable homeownership strengthens the regional economy by supporting workforce participation, reducing instability and stress, and increasing health outcomes. Every Habitat home represents a long-term asset for the homeowner, the neighborhood, and the broader Midlands community.
About Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity
Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity is celebrating its 40th anniversary of strengthening the Midlands’ workforce and economy through affordable homeownership. For four decades, our model has been home purchase with an affordable mortgage, not a free house. To date, we have built 289 homes, celebrated 111 mortgage payoffs, and impacted more than 850 children, contributing to stronger health, education, and economic outcomes across the region.
To learn more, volunteer, or support the mission, visit www.habitatcsc.org.
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