With cooler weather upon the area, having a roof overhead makes a world of difference. United Way of the Lowcountry helps improve housing opportunities by supporting the work of Lowcountry Habitat for Humanity.

“The sole reason Lowcountry Habitat for Humanity exists is to provide affordable housing, and by building three to four houses a year, we accomplish our goals,” said Brenda Dooley of Lowcountry Habitat.

“We are the largest provider of new construction, non-profit affordable housing in northern Beaufort County and work diligently to place hard-working families into better situations.  A more telling way of how our program impacts the community is to look at our homeowners and the stability they provide to our workforce. In 2011, we built five homes which saw 18 people move into safe, affordable housing,” she said.

This week’s update: the United Way of the Lowcountry Board of Directors announced gifts and pledges have been received totaling  $1,801,807, or 64.4 percent of the organization’s 2012 Fall goal of $2.8 million.

“Lowcountry Habitat for Humanity helps save lives,” Post said. “They do it by helping those who help themselves, because they require the future homeowner to invest some sweat equity in the home that’s being built by volunteers and local contractors. United Way of the Lowcountry supports Lowcountry Habitat because affordable housing is so essential to our community and to our workforce.”

Bonnie Bennett, Jasper County campaign chair, said United Way’s support for habitat helps build homes, which helps build the local economy. “It’s all about advancing the common good,” she said. “When Lowcountry Habitat and the community build a home, that helps save a family, that helps that family live a better life, and that helps that family contribute back to our community.”

Please give and help United Way of the Lowcountry meet the needs of the community, and meet the $2.8 million goal.

To learn more about United Way of the Lowcountry and its work to make our community a better place, call 843-982-3040 or visit www.uwlowcountry.org.