GREENVILLE, S.C. – The retiring CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville was honored with the Order of the Palmetto Wednesday night.
The Order of the Palmetto is awarded to South Carolinians who demonstrate extraordinary lifetime achievement, service, and contributions of national or statewide significance. Since 2009, Monroe Free has served as the President and CEO of Habitat Greenville. He is retiring at the end of the month and LaTonya Phillips will be leading the nonprofit going forward.
During his more than four decade career across the Southeast, Free focused on helping socially and economically disenfranchised people. He has consulted and worked with dozens of nonprofits throughout the Southeast helping with communications strategy, infrastructure development and fundraising. Since Free took the helm of Habitat Greenville the organization has experienced tremendous growth in its capacity to serve the families of Greenville County as well as expanding into Laurens County.
“Each of us gets to be an instrument of miraculous work,” Free said. “I believe that when we serve a meal for the poor or swing a hammer for a family in need of housing, when we shelter the homeless, when we give a kind word to someone who is weary and distressed, we create the miracle process.”
About Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County:
Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County opened its doors in 1985 to bring families, community partners, and volunteers together to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes that help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance. As of April 2024, Habitat Greenville has completed the construction of 410 homes. Habitat Greenville ReStores are located at 3033 Wade Hampton Boulevard in Taylors and 1818 Woodruff Road in Greenville. Call 864-312-5016 for free donation pickups. Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.