GREER, S.C. – An agency that has long advocated for more affordable housing helped dedicate a home with Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County Tuesday evening.
The Greenville County Redevelopment Authority (GCRA) works to holistically improve and revitalize homes and communities in Greenville County. They focus on providing affordable housing, building safe, accessible neighborhoods, and offering grant and loan programs for businesses. Through community partnerships and administering funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), GCRA works to build a better quality of life for the citizens of Greenville County.
“This is a special day because our team has been actively involved in this house by helping to build it,” said Joe Smith, Executive Director of GCRA. “We have long supported Habitat’s mission in changing lives through affordable homeownership.
As part of Tuesday’s dedication, the Shy’heim Miles and his two sons received custom quilts from Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild; a painting from artist Carol Hoffman and a framed photo from a 2025 SC State Parks Artist in Residence Greg Hammond; and a Lego set from Complete PR.
A Greenville native and a graduate of Greenville Technical College, Miles has worked the last five years of a manufacturing company in an industrial maintenance role. He started the Habitat program because he wanted he and his sons to have a place where they didn’t share walls with a neighbor.
He offered this advice for anyone entering the program.
“Do your part and keep going. Whenever you feel like quitting, keep going. You have to do your due diligence to take care of your kids,” he said. “You have people depending on you. Keep it straight and make sure you take care of your kids.”
LaTonya Phillips, President and CEO of Habitat Greenville, said that a house dedication is just the beginning for the new homeowners, and noted that applications are open for people wanting to become Habitat families.