Habitat for Humanity to Build New Affordable Homes on Hilton Head Island

Exciting News for Hilton Head Island: Habitat for Humanity Announces New Homes!

HILTON HEAD ISLAND — A warm and welcoming breeze is blowing through our lovely island community, bringing with it some fantastic news from Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry. This esteemed organization is set to construct five brand-new single-family homes on a spacious 1.53-acre plot near the bustling Spanish Wells Road. With housing costs skyrocketing and many island workers struggling to find affordable places to live, this development couldn’t come at a better time!

Addressing the Housing Challenge

Recently, Habitat for Humanity finalized the purchase of the new property for a cool $625,000. This acquisition was made possible thanks to a generous $500,000 grant from the Town of Hilton Head Island. It’s also worth noting that this project marks the nonprofit’s first major endeavor on the island since their successful completion of The Glen—a community of 32 homes—back in 2022.

Brenda Dooley, the Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry, shares her excitement: “We have been seeking opportunities to build more homes on the island. This parcel represents a tremendous opportunity to create a community-focused development, and we are eager to work with the town to bring this vision to life and place five deserving families in these homes.”

A New Hope for Families

So, what can expect from these new homes? Each property will feature three cozy bedrooms and two baths, designed to accommodate families looking for a fresh start. Interested applicants will need to roll up their sleeves—literally! They’ll be required to attend homeownership classes and put in at least 300 hours of “sweat equity” to help construct their new homes. This hands-on approach not only builds essential skills but also fosters a spirit of community among future neighbors.

When the homes are finally completed, buyers will have the opportunity to purchase them with a no-interest mortgage, with monthly payments set at an affordable 30 percent or less of their household income. To qualify, families must earn between 30 percent and 80 percent of the area median income for Beaufort County. This initiative is set to make a significant dent in the growing housing affordability crisis on the island.

Support from Town Officials

Hilton Head’s Mayor, Alan Perry, has voiced strong support for this initiative, emphasizing the importance of addressing the island’s ongoing workforce housing issue. It’s estimated that over 14,000 workers commute to Hilton Head daily, and alarmingly, nearly 4,400 of those commuters are traveling over 50 miles each way! This struggle is exacerbating workforce shortages in various sectors, especially in critical fields like hospitality and healthcare.

A 2018 housing study revealed a troubling trend: the island’s most rapidly growing income groups fall into two extremes—those earning below $25,000 and those making above $150,000. This polarization squeezes out middle-income families, further pushing rental and housing prices sky-high. Experts predict that our island will need to add at least 200 additional housing units each year for the next decade to tackle workforce housing and affordability.

A Bright Future Ahead

Mayor Perry sums it all up beautifully: “As we strive to increase workforce housing availability on the island, Habitat’s efforts will play a critical role in meeting this need and fostering a sense of community and belonging.” With this new housing project, families will have the chance to thrive where they work and build a more sustainable future for themselves and future generations. Truly, there’s a silver lining in the clouds above Hilton Head Island!

Stay tuned as we keep you updated on the development of these homes and the impact they will have on our beloved community!