Church Relations

Habitat for Humanity - Oconee County, SC

CHURCH RELATIONS

Oconee County Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical, Christian housing ministry and invites churches in Oconee County to join in this ministry.

Churches can support OCHFH in a number of ways:

· Designate a church member to join our Church Relations team, to be the liaison between your congregation and Oconee County Habitat for Humanity.

· Become aware of families in your congregation who are living in inadequate housing. Help them to apply to partner with Habitat for Humanity for a hand up to better housing and a better life.

· Volunteer. We presently have over 200 volunteers, but we can always use additional hands for many jobs: Construction, landscaping, working in our resale store, family selection, family partnering, public awareness, and fundraising.

· Donate as the circumstances of your congregation allow. This may be in the form of money, stocks, land or materials. All donations are tax-deductible.

For further information, email ochfh07@bellsouth.net or call (864) 888-2118

Roger Garrison, past president of OCHFH, carries mattress into House #33 after its dedication. St. Mark UMC provided furniture for the 3-bedroom home

Brian Clark, Greg Pickett, David Vorpagel and John Muncert from Faith Chapel Lutheran Church in Pickens volunteered at the Thrivent Build Habitat home on June 16, 2007.

Chuck Plague, then president of OCHFH, and Sue Bro

Chuck Plague, then president of OCHFH, and Sue Brown, daughter of the late Barbara and Dale Willbrandt, during the dedication ceremony of the Willbrandt Woods Habitat community in Fairplay on October 20, 2004. The purchase of the 13-lot property was made possible through the generosity of the Willbrandts, matched by Seneca Presbyterian Church

Join our Church Relations Team!

What does a Church Relations Team do?

. Team members look for people who can open doors at various churches to get them involved in building houses and recommending persons who need housing.

. The 'door openers' can help guide the Church Relations team through the protocol of individual churches.

. The team can make arrangements for a presentation to the churches and other civic organizations.

. Keep a sharp eye out for persons who are "on fire" and in need of a Habitat home.

. Play an active role in the Dedication of Houses.

. Develop a system formation and distribute Habitat information at local church events and affiliate events.

. Remember Church Relations is a process and its success depends on patience, good listening skills, a willingness to try something new and keeping an open mind.