ReStore Reimagined: Habitat for Humanity of York County Unveils a Bold Vision for Community Empowerment
York County, SC — Habitat for Humanity of York County is ushering in an exciting new chapter for its ReStore—one centered on community, connection, and opportunity. Over the coming months, the Rock Hill ReStore will evolve into a vibrant community hub that blends affordable shopping with education, collaboration, and empowerment for families across York County.
This reimagined ReStore will go beyond retail, creating space for hands-on learning, financial education, creative workshops, and deeper community engagement. With new programming, interactive experiences, and expanded services, the Rock Hill ReStore will serve as a place where neighbors gather not just to shop, but to grow together.
“Reimagining the Rock Hill ReStore allows us to bring more value, more engagement, and more impact to the community,” said Tim Veeck, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of York County. “This space will reflect our mission in action—where shopping, learning, and community-building come together to strengthen families and neighborhoods.”
A New Center for Financial Stability and Resilience
A cornerstone of this transformation is the creation of the Financial Opportunity and Resiliency Center (FORC)—a new, welcoming space inside the Rock Hill ReStore designed to equip low-to-moderate income individuals with the tools needed to achieve and sustain affordable homeownership.
Thanks to a $100,000 investment from the Springsteen Foundation via the Foundation for the Carolinas, FORC will undergo essential renovations to allow us to host workshops on budgeting, credit, savings, debt reduction, insurance literacy, and one-on-one financial coaching. It will also provide vital internet access for tasks such as bill payments, job searches, benefit enrollment, and financial management—support that is especially critical for seniors and others who lack reliable internet at home.
In response to growing climate-related risks and rising homeowners insurance costs, FORC will also offer education on disaster preparedness, home resiliency, and insurance literacy—ensuring families are not only prepared to purchase a home, but to protect it long-term.
“FORC is more than a classroom—it’s a foundation for financial independence and lasting opportunity,” said Dr. Stefanie Barnette, Chief Operating Officer. “This space allows us to meet families where they are and walk alongside them as they build stability, confidence, and a stronger future.”
Habitat for Humanity of York County aims to serve at least 500 individuals through FORC in its first year.
Honoring Community Roots, Expanding Community Impact
Since opening in 2019, the Lake Wylie ReStore has been a meaningful part of the community—bringing neighbors together to shop sustainably, donate generously, and volunteer enthusiastically in support of affordable homeownership. Habitat remains deeply rooted in the Lake Wylie area and looks forward to continuing its service across western York County through home repairs, financial education, and community engagement.
As retail operations transition to a redesigned Rock Hill ReStore, Habitat is focused on expanding its reach and deepening its impact—ensuring families across York County continue to have access to the resources, tools, and support they need to thrive. The Lake Wylie ReStore will close on April 4, 2026.
A Space for Community, Creativity, and Collaboration
The reimagined Rock Hill ReStore will feature:
- A refreshed shopping experience
- Community workshops and DIY classes
- Family-friendly events
- Volunteer and donor engagement opportunities
- Financial education programming
- Collaborative community gatherings
With this new vision, Habitat for Humanity of York County is creating a space where affordable homeownership, community engagement, and creativity intersect—a place where neighbors can learn, connect, and grow together.
“We’re building more than a ReStore,” Veeck added. “We’re building a space that reflects who we are as a community—resilient, compassionate, and committed to one another.”
About Habitat for Humanity of York County
Habitat for Humanity of York County is a nonprofit organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. HFHYC addresses housing disparities by constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes; advocating for fair housing policies; and providing financial literacy education and access to resources so every family has the opportunity to thrive.
For more information about the ReStore, upcoming events, or ways to get involved, visit www.yorkcountyhabitat.org or contact Summersby Okey at sokey@yorkcountyhabitat.org or (803) 982-9828. For service inquiries, call (803) 328-1728 ext. 3 or email services@yorkcountyhabitat.org.
Habitat for Humanity of York County Team Member Earns Senior Home Safety Specialist® Designation
York County, SC — March 23, 2026– Habitat for Humanity of York County is proud to announce that Anna Thrift, Homeowner Services Manager, has earned the Senior Home Safety Specialist® (SHSS) designation through Age Safe® America.
This nationally recognized designation identifies professionals who have obtained specialized training in home safety, fall prevention, personal safety, and financial exploitation awareness — equipping them to better educate and serve older adults and their families.
As part of Habitat’s commitment to helping seniors age safely in place, Anna completed comprehensive coursework focused on identifying environmental hazards in the home and recommending practical, preventative solutions. The program addresses a growing public health concern: approximately one in three adults age 65 and older experiences a fall each year, often resulting in injury, long-term disability, or loss of independence.
“With so many seniors expressing a desire to remain in their homes as they age, it’s critical that those homes are safe and supportive,” said Anna Thrift. “This training strengthens our ability to walk alongside older homeowners and provide meaningful solutions that protect both their safety and their independence.”
According to AARP, nearly 90% of seniors want to age in place — yet studies show that the majority have made no modifications to prepare their homes for long-term safety. Through Habitat’s Home Repair and Senior Services programming, Anna identifies needed modifications such as grab bars, improved lighting, ramp access, bathroom conversions, and other critical safety upgrades.
The Senior Home Safety Specialist® designation aligns closely with Habitat for Humanity of York County’s mission to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. By investing in advanced training for staff, Habitat continues to expand its capacity to meet the needs of vulnerable homeowners across York County.
For more information about Habitat’s Home Repair and Senior Services programs, visit www.yorkcountyhabitat.org.
VELUX Brings Living Places Sustainable Housing Concept to the U.S. in New Partnership with Habitat for Humanity of York County
The first application of the Living Places concept outside Europe will showcase how reimagining home design can improve health, comfort and affordability for American families
FORT MILL, S.C. – February 24, 2026 – VELUX, the global leader in skylights and daylight solutions, announced today the expansion of its pioneering Living Places concept to the United States by partnering with the Habitat for Humanity of York County, which will build multiple homes that prove healthy, energy-efficient, high-quality housing can also be sustainable and affordable.
The initiative lays the foundation for a scalable model that VELUX aims to create a ripple effect nationwide. During the first initiative in York County, the first U.S. Living Places–inspired builds will be completed on Lige Street in Rock Hill, with three to five Habitat for Humanity homes that each prioritize sustainability and affordability.
“At Habitat for Humanity of York County, we believe everyone deserves a decent place to live, and that includes homes that are healthy, efficient, and built for the future,” said Tim Veeck, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity of York County. “This partnership with VELUX allows us to learn from proven international models while setting a new standard for sustainable, affordable homeownership in the United States.”
“We’re proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity of York County through our Living Places initiative to advance affordable, healthy, and sustainable housing,” said Stephan Moyon, president of VELUX America/VELUX Canada. “Together, we’re developing a model that recognizes that true affordability includes both construction and ongoing utility costs. This partnership demonstrates that features like skylights can play a meaningful role in even the most cost-effective housing, helping ensure everyone has access to better living.”
The VELUX Living Places initiative was developed by the VELUX Group, EFFEKT architects, and Artelia engineers to create sustainable, healthy, and affordable housing. Launched in 2023 in Copenhagen, the initiative challenges the building industry by demonstrating that low-carbon, high-quality homes can be built today using existing technology. It draws on five core principles for residential construction: healthy, shared, simple, adaptive and scalable.
Since its launch, Living Places projects have been announced for development in several markets, including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Ukraine. The U.S. expansion comes at a time when the country faces significant challenges in the built environment, including rising home prices, high regulatory costs, and a growing shortage of affordable options.
“The collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of York County represents an important step toward rethinking how American homes can be built for both people and planet. At VELUX, we believe that healthier, more efficient buildings are essential to improving quality of life. With our Living Places building principles, we want to demonstrate that better homes can be built today using existing technologies and widely available materials,” said Moyon.
For more information about the Living Places concept, visit: buildforlife.velux.com.
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ABOUT VELUX
VELUX manufactures skylight systems and is one of the strongest brands in the global building materials sector. VELUX products are available nationwide through home centers, building material suppliers, lumber yards and independent door, window or roofing retailers. Consumers can locate local suppliers and installers and access information on skylight selection and the benefits of bringing more natural light and fresh air into the home by visiting veluxusa.com. VELUX skylights are made in America in Greenwood, South Carolina, and Wells, Maine.
ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF YORK COUNTY
Habitat for Humanity of York County is a nonprofit organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. HFHYC is dedicated to addressing disparities and creating equitable opportunities in the housing market through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing financial literacy education and access to resources to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.