GREENVILLE, SC - Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County and Juneteenth GVL are coming together to build a home in the Nicholtown community this Spring.
This historic union will start with a special celebration event on Wednesday, May 21 at 6 p.m. at the Phillis Wheatley Center, bringing together community leaders, volunteers, and sponsors to launch this impactful project, said Joseph Fields, Vice President of Equity for Habitat Greenville.
“The evening will feature inspiring speakers, local performances, and a powerful discussion on the importance of affordable housing in historically significant communities,” Fields said.
Next, Habitat Greenville will lead a Wall Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, June 11, in Nicholtown, where volunteers will come together to build the framework for a future home. To learn how to support the Juneteenth Community Build, go to www.habitatgreenville.org/juneteenthcommunitybuild.
The Juneteenth Community Build is part of Habitat Greenville’s Bridge Building Series, an on-going string of projects that bring together people from various backgrounds to create more affordable housing in the community.
This initiative aligns with Juneteenth GVL’s mission to celebrate freedom, empower the community, and create sustainable opportunities for economic advancement, said Rueben Hays, Founder and Chair of Juneteenth GVL.
“This partnership represents more than just constructing a home -- it’s about building a stronger, more equitable future,” Hays said. “We are proud to join forces with Habitat Greenville to ensure homeownership becomes a reality for more families in historically significant neighborhoods.”
As part of the Juneteenth Community Build, Hays will be making a $10,000 donation. In addition, Best Rest will be giving in a gift in kind, and First Baptist Church Greenville is a donor as well.
This initiative is the next step of Habitat Greenville’s Advancing Black Homeownership Project, which launched in the Fall of 2023 to help develop a racial-equity lending strategy and property acquisition program across the region. The project is made possible by a grant from Habitat for Humanity International.
Fields said Greenville will be the first Habitat affiliate in America to launch a Juneteenth Build, a milestone that holds deep historical significance. Opal Lee, the civil rights leader who is known as the “grandmother of Juneteenth,” saw her childhood home burned down in 1939. In 2024, Habitat for Humanity members in Fort Worth, Texas, built her a new home on the site.
LaTonya Phillips, President and CEO of Habitat Greenville, said the success of the Juneteenth Community Build depends on the generous support of sponsors and volunteers.
“Habitat Greenville invites businesses, organizations, and individuals to be a part of this initiative by contributing financially, or volunteering on-site,” she said. “This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact, foster diversity, and support sustainable homeownership in underserved communities.”
Members of the Juneteenth Community Build’s steering community include Renee Floyd, Matt Rollins, Heather Montgomery, Steve Worrell, Bitsy Cazel, Jasmine Frater, April Evans, Noel Brooks, Jamie Johnson, Tiffany Santagati, Tina Belge, Rueben Hays, Torah Fields, Tiffanee Davis, Charles Davis, Gail Peay, Chris Edwards and Jennifer Faner.
“As we celebrate Juneteenth, we recognize the importance of economic empowerment and equity in housing,” Fields said. “Through this build, we are not just constructing homes—we are strengthening communities and creating lasting opportunities for families.”
About Juneteenth GVL
Juneteenth GVL is committed to celebrating freedom, empowering communities, and fostering economic growth through cultural programming, education, and community engagement. Through annual events and year-round initiatives, Juneteenth GVL uplifts historically marginalized voices and drives meaningful change in the Upstate region. Learn more at www.juneteenthgvl.org.
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 March 2025, Habitat Greenville has completed the construction of more than 420 homes. Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.
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