The Greenville Chamber’s Leadership Greenville Class 48 started its “Be Hope for a Hero” project at the end of 2021. This project involved partnering with Homes of Hope and Upstate Warrior Solution, two local non-profits, to identify a deserving veteran and provide them with a safe, affordable home. In order to complete a full renovation, the group originally planned to raise $65,000 but surpassed that goal, raising $85,000. The renovation included gutting the home, updating it, and putting on an addition to accommodate a larger family.
Because of the funds raised, Homes of Hope will be able to offer a custom and very affordable rental rate, based on the veteran’s income. Once the veteran and family are selected for this home through Upstate Warrior Solution, Homes of Hope will work individually with the family to provide financial wellness training and mentorship that helps them craft their own personal map to success and achieve greater economic mobility. This home won’t just benefit one family – multiple families will rent this home for many years to come.
ABOUT LEADERSHIP GREENVILLE
The Chamber’s flagship leadership program is a ten-month intensive experience where
participants work in teams on a volunteer project designed to make them more informed,
committed and equipped to be a leader for Greenville County. By taking an intensive look
into the issues affecting Greenville County, Leadership Greenville chooses projects that
prepare and motivate participants to provide quality, dynamic leadership within the area.
ABOUT HOMES OF HOPE
Founded in 1998, Homes of Hope opens doors for economic mobility through housing,
economic and workforce development. The organization’s affordable housing program
extends beyond developing affordable rental options for low-to-moderate income individuals
by connecting housing clients to economic mobility opportunities with a focus on budgeting,
banking and building assets. Its Men’s Workforce Development Program is a voluntary, one
year residential program where men overcoming addictions can pursue revolutionary change
through biblical-based discipleship, life skills and construction-related job training. Since it
began, Homes of Hope has developed over 670 homes, graduated more than 320 men and
invested over $85 million in community and economic development. For more information,
visit www.homesofhope.org
ABOUT UPSTATE WARRIOR SOLUTION
Upstate Warrior Solution is a community-based, nonprofit organization serving
warriors and their families in the Upstate of South Carolina. Their mission is to
connect warriors and their family members to resources and opportunities, lead them
through the process of self-empowerment, and inspire the community to embrace
local warriors and their family members as valued neighbors and friends. Since their
inception in 2013, Upstate Warrior Solution has helped over 8,800 unique warriors
and their families, working with them and community partners to assist with housing,
employment, healthcare, education, and family support services. Although they have
already made an impact on thousands of warriors, they hope to connect with each
one of the 100,000 veterans living in the Upstate. To learn more about Upstate
Warrior’s mission click here to view their website.