Local government and community leaders have long recognized the need for more affordable housing, defined as dwellings costing less per month than 30% of the resident’s income. But no matter how many new units are built, supply can never catch up with demand if affordable homes already in existence are lost each year to deterioration and abandonment.
To help prevent this loss, Rebuild Upstate focuses on preservation to keep residents in their homes. Jake Beaty, who became CEO in July 2022, said one of the nonprofit’s core values is seeing the challenge from a community perspective, collaborating with partners to ensure community needs are met.
“I love the Upstate’s focus on building new affordable housing and workforce housing. We need great organizations working on affordable homes and rental housing. But it can’t be either/or, it has to be both,” Beaty said. “We already have affordable housing that needs to be protected. If we don’t preserve what we have, we’re creating a bigger hole. Every one we don’t maintain is one we have to replace.”
Rebuild Upstate estimates that 1,000 local homeowners are currently living in unsafe housing. To build new homes using volunteer labor would cost about $150,000 each, but the nonprofit’s average cost to repair one home is only $10,000.
Since its establishment in 2007, Rebuild Upstate has repaired more than 1,300 homes in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens counties with the help of over 7,000 volunteers. Most of the work is repairs and accessibility improvements for adults 65 and up, veterans or their widows, and households with small children who lack the resources to make their homes safe.
“We are primarily helping people age in place. We have the opportunity to love our neighbors by allowing them to stay in their homes with safety and dignity,” Beaty said.
The Rev. Sean Dogan, community leader and longtime pastor of Long Branch Baptist Church, said preserving existing homes offers numerous benefits for individuals and families.
“What we know is that stability matters. If you’ve been in a place for some time, it’s good for your health, mental health and economic status, especially if you’re a homeowner,” Dogan said. “When we look at the rising cost of living in Greenville, the most affordable housing is the house you’re in. Often they are locked into an interest rate with payments they can afford, that they’ve been making for years and that fit in their budget. Getting a home-equity loan to fix the house sounds good but isn’t always economically feasible.”
Dogan adds that home ownership is the quickest means to accumulate wealth to pass on to the next generation. Involving volunteers brings neighbors together to stabilize the present community.
“These residents have the lived experience of the history of an area,” Dogan said. “Supporting organizations like Rebuild Upstate is important to maintaining the integrity and the fabric of our community.”
Beaty said the need is great and is expected to increase as more baby boomers leave the workforce. While new, affordable housing is often built for residents earning 80% of area median income, many residents earn much less than that. Rebuild Upstate serves those earning under 80% of AMI, with the majority below 50%.
“We have to preserve homes that are safe and affordable for our neighbors at the lowest income levels,” Beaty said. “Anyone can help by donating or volunteering to help with construction projects at all skill levels.”
The Community Foundation of Greenville and its fundholders have proudly supported Rebuild Upstate over the years.
“Their work fills an important need to preserve housing and keep our neighbors in their homes,” said Bob Morris, CFG president.
Rebuild Upstate will host “A Toast to Home” Dec. 8, 2023, at The Annex at Judson Mill, honoring its founder and highlighting the important work of preservation. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information, visit rebuildupstate.org.
