Bank of America has named Homes of Hope as its 2025 Neighborhood Builder® for its work to build mixed-use development communities, providing affordable, energy efficient homes and offering workforce development programs for construction-related employment opportunities.
As a Neighborhood Builder, Homes of Hope is awarded a $50,000 grant over two years, leadership training and the opportunity to connect with nonprofits in a peer network.
“Homes of Hope delivers a unique model for helping advance economic mobility in the Upstate, by creating affordable housing alongside workforce development and life skills training opportunities for our neighbors,” said Stacy Brandon, President, Bank of America Upstate South Carolina. “Through our Neighborhood Builders program Homes of Hope will receive flexible funding and comprehensive leadership training to enhance its work as the largest nonprofit developer of single-family affordable housing in South Carolina.”
Homes of Hope began in 1998, with a two-fold mission of providing affordable homes for families, while also helping men restore their lives through sobriety and construction training opportunities. This new grant funding will help scale affordable housing production, sustain high quality workforce development training, and help cover rising operational costs.
“Across South Carolina, families are being priced out of safe, affordable housing, while employers struggle to find qualified construction workers, said Don Oglesby, President and CEO, Homes of Hope. “For men overcoming addiction, rebuilding their lives can feel nearly impossible without guidance and opportunity. Homes of Hope stands at the intersection of these challenges: providing stable homes for families and equipping men with the skills, training, and support they need to reenter the workforce and rebuild their lives. The Neighborhood Builders Award strengthens our ability to continue this critical work and we are grateful for this partnership.”