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Wal-Mart employees start work on first Habitat for Humanity home in Columbia

Submitted by: John Boyanoski on Apr 08, 2011 at 3:22 pm Tagged with: housing, Walmart, Walmart Foundation Source: Brett, Inc.

COLUMBIA, SC – Employees from 13 Wal-Mart stores in the Midlands began an 11-day blitz build on a Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity house in the Rockgate community Friday.

This marks the first time that Walmart has undertaken a house construction project in Columbia, said Rachel Nash, one of two Walmart market managers for the region. The project is being funded by a $75,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation.

“We are honored to be working with Habitat,” Nash said.
Roy Kramer, executive director of CSC Habitat, said he approached Nash and fellow market manager Arlen Smith last year about donations to Habitat ReStores. Nash recommended they also seek a grant to help with house construction.

Kramer originally was going to ask for $25,000, but Nash advised him to seek $75,000, which would fund an entire construction project.

“We greatly appreciate what Walmart is doing for Habitat,” he said Friday during the dedication.

Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity has built more than 210 homes in the past 25 years in Richland and Lexington counties and will soon begin work in Fairfield as well. Habitat’s mission is to provide home ownership opportunities for people who normally could not afford a regular mortgage. All Habitat mortgages are interest free and homeowners take part in the construction process.

The Walmart Foundation strives to provide opportunities that improve the lives of individuals in our communities including our customers and associates. Through financial contributions, in-kind donations and volunteerism, the Walmart Foundation supports initiatives focused on enhancing opportunities in four main focus areas of education, workforce development / economic opportunity, environmental sustainability and health and wellness.