GREENVILLE, S.C. – Christmas came a little early for Matrice Sullivan Friday afternoon.
And it helps when you had a major hand in making your Christmas present a reality.
Sullivan and Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County dedicated her home on Sturtevant Street Friday afternoon. A Greenville native and proud mother of three, Sullivan reflected on all of the hard work that went into building her new home, especially at this time of the year.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” she said. “You have helped me give the best Christmas present to my kids!”
Sullivan’s house was sponsored by Bon Secours St. FrancisHealth System, and its completion marked 10 years that the healthcare leader has supported Habitat Greenville. The families of the other houses supported by Bon Secours were at Friday’s dedication to welcome Sullivan as well.
“Bon Secours is happy to support Habitat for Humanity. Affordable housing is one of our focus areas for this year,” said Sean Dogan, Director of Community Health for Bon Secours St. Francis. “To support a deserving family with the gift of stable, affordable housing bring joy to our heart. Blessings to all in this important work.”
Sullivan had rented a house for the past eight years in the Sterling neighborhood. The house had some issues, and it was difficult to get needed repairs done. That is when she decided to take part in the Habitat process.
Habitat’s homeowner preparation program includes courses in personal finance, budgeting, mortgages, credit, home maintenance and repair, and others. In addition, the prospective homeowner and family members must be willing to volunteer with Habitat. Known as “sweat equity,” this includes working on the construction of the prospective homeowner’s home, other Habitat homes and possibly volunteering at other nonprofit organizations.
“Habitat teaches you so much,” she said. “And the staff walks through it with you. I love that!”