My experience interning for Habitat for Humanity
Written by Clark Vilardebo
When I was thinking of potential internship opportunities for my last semester of college, Habitat for Humanity wasn’t even remotely on my radar.
As a mass communication major with a focus in journalism, I had my eyes set on joining a newsroom or broadcast station.
However, after taking a formative trip to Mexico this past summer with Oakland Avenue Presbytery church, I realized that maybe Habitat is exactly what I’m looking for.
Giving back to the community is incredibly important to me, especially people who may not have the luxuries or privileges that I do, and after my trip to Mexico I felt even more emboldened to help in the community. It just so happened that an opportunity would come in the form of an internship.
What really drew me to Habitat was I felt comfortable writing for them because I know they actually put in the work, they don’t just say “we’re here to help and learn” and then do the bare minimum.
I have been in these homes and seen the work they do. I have been in the office while they’re planning community events. I have volunteered in the Restore.
It’s not just the fact they put in the effort – there is so much that goes on behind the scenes. While building and repairing homes may be what most people think of when they hear about Habitat for Humanity, it is so much more than that.
I would never know that advocating for government support is a major part of what happens behind the scenes if I never took this internship. I would never know the numerous programs that Habitat offers. I would never know
that disaster relief is now a major aspect of Habitat for Humanity York County’s work.
I also never would have realized the problems they run into behind the scenes with federal, state and county funding.
That’s when I realized that I can still put my journalistic skills to use by informing the public about those situations. It’s important that the people know that this is a massive, multi-coordinated effort that often has to deal with bad actors, constantly changing schedules, and/or traveling around the state.
With that, it’s also important that the public sees and hears from those who work at Habitat, and realize that these are actual people working chaotic schedules to make our community better.
During my time here, I’ve written about the new board members, Habitat programs, community outreach, and advocacy and development. I also did a video on the Restore – another key aspect of Habitat I did not know about before taking on this internship.
This internship has not just helped me as a writer and a mass communication major, but it’s also made me more aware of what goes on behind the scenes at organizations like Habitat for Humanity.
I want to thank my supervisor Summersby Okey, the Director of Advocacy and Development at HFHYC, for giving me this opportunity and being such a supportive and understanding supervisor.
I also want to thank HFHYC as a whole for welcoming me and allowing me to write about them.
Support non-profit organizations like Habitat!
Creating Stability Through Housing, Repair, and Education
Written by Clark Vilardebo
Habitat for Humanity York County does more than build and repair homes – we also place an emphasis on community outreach. One of the many ways we do that is through the various programs offered here.
The Home Ownership Program, which Habitat is famously best known for, makes sure that homebuyers purchasing a Habitat home do not spend more than 30% of their income on housing, avoiding being cost-burdened by their housing cost.
The Home Repair Program is another focus here, as building a home is not enough – you have to preserve it too.
Having the correct deeds and paperwork is important to allow older adults to safely age in place, and also allows them to pass a meaningful asset on to build generational wealth.
The third program in Habitat for Humanity of York County’s suite of offerings is the Financial Capability Program, which is a financial literacy program that helps attendees know everything that they need to know to be prepared for home ownership.
This program has been a huge success. When it first started out, 2% of families who applied for our program were finally ready to purchase a home. Now, after implementing financial education before families apply, it’s up to 22%.
HFHYC also provides Senior Sense, which is a similar program for senior adults, and Piggy Banks to Paychecks, which is for younger children and teenagers.
After the April 2024 hail storm in Rock Hill and Hurricane Helene, disaster response and preparedness have been a focus for the HFHYC staff.
Krista Parenti, Director of Programs Services, oversees all these programs.
Parenti has been involved with nonprofit organizations for a while, but she says the “person centered and solution focused” approach at Habitat drew her to working here.
“[It] really focuses on ‘how can we be more equitable in our community,’ and ‘how can we involve our community in the decisions that we’re making,’ instead of making decisions for the community,” Parenti said.
Improving the communities families are living in is an important aspect of Parenti’s role, mentioning Rock the Block and Place Making Days as community revitalization events she helps organize for HFHYC.
Parenti says the Home Repair Program is where she sees the most work.
“Our home repair program reaches a lot of families. I mean, this last fiscal year alone, we reached 55 families.”
Being in charge of these programs, Parenti sees many success stories, and she did not hesitate to share them.
“For our new home ownership program, we did a closing in late June for a multi generational family. It was a son and his parents. His father is a veteran, and he is their primary supporter. So he takes care of them, he helps pay their rent, and makes sure they get everything they need. And he works really hard – he’ll work seven days a week sometimes, so being able to put them in a home that was going to give him the opportunity to have a lower monthly payment for a home, give his parents somewhere where they could be stable that was more accessible to them was really impactful,” Parenti said.
Parenti continued, “We do a lot of home repairs for the April hailstorm and Hurricane Helene related repairs. We had one homeowner, she was hit by Hurricane Helene really hard. It impacted her roof. She had a serious roof leak, so she put a tarp over her roof to mitigate that. You know, while she was waiting on repairs, and the city was fining her every day for that tarp for something that was completely out of her control. So being able to help families like that who are experiencing those types of things has been really big. We were able to fix her roof, and she’s no longer getting fined every day.”
As previously mentioned, disaster response has been a big focus since the April 2024 hail storm and Hurricane Helene, and there is currently a program dealing with it in the pipeline.
As for other programs in the near future, Parenti talked about multi-family developments, which are going to be single family attached development townhomes.
“That’s going to allow us to build multiple homes next to each other at the same time, which is going to help us increase that capacity and build more homes at once.”
Parenti also mentioned a program partnering HFHYC with York schools, giving students an opportunity to build homes and help in their community.
More Than Homes: How Advocacy Shapes Habitat’s Mission
Written by Clark Vilardebo
Here at Habitat for Humanity York County, our mission is seeking to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
In order to accomplish that mission and advance the beloved community , we place an emphasis on advocating for what Habitat does.
Summersby Okey, Director of Development and Advocacy here at Habitat for Humanity York County, plays a big role in that.
Okey joined Habitat in 2024, saying that “the solid foundation that Habitat has for truly caring about people and for making a difference” inspired her to join. With a background in political science and philosophy, social justice has always been important to her.
Being the Director of Advocacy and Development, Okey oversees the fundraising side of things, such as grants, individual donations, and partnerships, along with gifted items like construction materials or services.
Government advocacy is also an area of focus, though.
“We do local, state and federal advocacy. So when we’re doing advocacy, it is not in favor or of against any party or candidate. It’s always non-partisan and always focused on issues,” Okey said.
On the federal level, we work with Habitat for Humanity International and we’re currently focusing on two things: appropriations and theROAD to Housing Act.
“We’re advocating through the budget process for certain appropriations for federal funding that supports affordable homeownership,” Okey said.
These include community development block grants, HOME dollars for construction and development of affordable home ownership and rental properties, and SHOP, which deals with repair and maintenance for homes.
The ROAD to Housing Act legislation just passed in the Senate., This is a major step forward in a transformative housing legislation package, as it is the first bipartisan housing bill to be approved by the Senate in over a decade.
The next step is for the Senate and House to reconcile their versions of the bill.
On the state level, Habitat is currently seeking access to the S.C. Housing funds – a process that has been 15 years in the making.
It’s a similar process at the local level.
“In South Carolina and York County, Rock Hill is an “entitlement community,” which means they receive an automatic allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding because of the population; they are the only municipality in York County that reaches the population threshold to get that automatic entitlement,” Okey said. “So York County also receives an allocation because at the county level, not the municipal level, every year for the past five years, since we’ve reached the threshold to receive that, the county government has said, ‘No, thank you. We don’t want those dollars.’ We are estimating that it’s probably about $2 million for the county that they’re turning down.”
This money wouldn’t just go to affordable housing development, but infrastructure and workforce development too.
As a result of advocacy efforts, it was discovered that the county council didn’t know that the county staff was turning down this Community Development Block Grant funding, so members of the county council are now on board to advocate for the county to receive this funding.
Raising money for Habitat’s programs is another focus of Okey’s role.
Okey says the most difficult part of her job is “100% the funding landscape in York County.”
“We live in a very affluent and philanthropic pocket of rural South Carolina, but accessing those funds is difficult at times,” Okey said.
A major accomplishment from Okey’s work is Habitat for Humanity York County receiving their first federal funding: a $150,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Housing Preservation Grant is designed to accomplish $150,000 worth of home repairs, which is about 15 to 30 critical home repairs in the rural part of York County.
Advocacy and development is certainly a grueling process, but it can also be fulfilling.
“Being able to interact with families, to build alongside families, to be there when they get the keys to their home, to watch them from beginning to end – it’s super fulfilling,” Okey said.
The Power of Partnership in Building the Beloved Community
Written by Clark Vilardebo
A major part of our mission at Habitat for Humanity is to build not just homes, but communities too.
And like many of our staff members already featured, Beatrice Croft, our community outreach manager, is vital to that part of the mission.
“My role is to pretty much build relationships and engage with the community. I am, you can say, the face of a Habitat for Humanity York County. I go out and build a relationship, tell what we do, [and] try to get people to partner with us, and engage with us,” Croft said.
Croft has been involved in non-profits for as long as she can remember, but says Habitat’s “goal of home ownership, building generational wealth, helping families achieve that goal through different means” is what drew her to working here.
“Most of our families may not be approved for a regular home ownership program. So we have different things like a debt to income ratio, or going through financial literacy before they go through the home ownership process. So I think that that’s what makes us different, and that’s kind of what drew me to Habitat.”
Croft is one of the busiest people at the office, as her role often involves her having to be out of the office often.
Currently, we’re partnering with the Catawba Area Coalition for the Homeless (CACH) to provide families food for Thanksgiving – which Croft played a big role in organizing.
As community outreach manager, much of Croft’s role involves attending community events and building our community partnerships like CACH.
Doing this may seem like an easy task, but sometimes persuasion is needed.
“Having to build that rapport and build that relationship, to gain the community’s trust, sometimes that can be difficult,” Croft said.
Seeing people become homeowners makes it all worthwhile for Croft, though.
“The idea to build generational wealth and help this family obtain stability is the best part of my job.”
Croft is very proud of the work she’s done here, but she hopes to add more partnerships with the Clover community.
For more information on our partnerships, visit
https://yorkcountyhabitat.org/give/corporate-partnerships/.
A Home That Adapts With You: John and Elizabeth’s Story
For more than twenty years, John and Elizabeth have built a life in their Fort Mill home. It is where they raised their family, cared for loved ones, and created memories through both joyful seasons and difficult ones.
Over time, that home has held a lot. And in recent years, it has been asked to hold even more.
Several years ago, Elizabeth began experiencing health challenges due to a progressive neurological disease. What started as a shift gradually became a complete transformation of daily life. She lost the ability to work, to drive, to walk, and to independently care for her home. Today, Elizabeth uses a wheelchair full-time.
As her needs changed, so did John’s role. He stepped in as her primary caregiver, taking on the full weight of household responsibilities while also assisting Elizabeth with everyday tasks, including helping her safely enter and exit their home.
The place that had always provided comfort and stability was now presenting new challenges.
Through Habitat for Humanity of York County’s home repair program, John and Elizabeth were able to make critical updates that allow their home to better support this next chapter of their lives.
Through HFHYC’s repair program, a team installed a walk-in shower , creating a safer and more accessible space for daily routines. What was once a difficult and potentially unsafe task is now something Elizabeth can navigate with greater ease and dignity.
Through a partnership with Emmanuwheel and The Home Depot, a new ramp was also constructed, providing safe and reliable access in and out of the home. Before, Elizabeth had to navigate an unstable temporary ramp and uneven terrain just to reach their vehicle. Now, she can move from her front door to the driveway with confidence and independence.
John worked alongside volunteers and partners to help build the ramp himself, bringing his own construction skills into the process. That effort was not just about completing a project. It was about continuing to invest in the place they call home.
These changes have done more than improve accessibility. They have restored a sense of safety, dignity, and pride.
Elizabeth is able to move more freely. John is able to carry a little less of the physical and emotional strain. And together, they are able to remain in the home that has meant so much to them for so many years.
As their neighborhood continues to change, with older homes being replaced and new ones rising around them, these updates have helped renew their sense of belonging. They are not just staying in place. They are continuing to care for and take pride in their home, one step at a time.
Stories like John and Elizabeth’s are a reminder that home is not just about where you live. It is about how you live. It is about safety, independence, and the ability to move through each day with dignity.
This work is only possible because of the support of people who believe in creating that kind of stability for others.
If you believe in helping families remain safe and secure in the homes they love, we invite you to be part of this work.
More Than a House: How Habitat for Humanity of York County Helped Build a New Beginning
The road to homeownership can be long and winding, especially in a housing market where prices continue to rise faster than wages for many local families. For countless individuals, owning a home can feel more like a distant dream than an achievable goal.
That is where Habitat for Humanity of York County continues to make a lasting difference.
Through affordable homeownership opportunities, financial education, and hands-on support, Habitat is doing more than building homes. The organization is walking alongside families to create stability, gain confidence, and step into futures they once thought were out of reach.
For new homeowner Ashton Starr, closing on her home represented far more than a change of address.
“This home means stability, peace, and knowing we have something that we own,” Starr said.
But the journey to that moment required commitment, perseverance, and patience. Habitat homeowners complete a detailed process that often takes between 18 months and two years from application to closing. Families must meet eligibility requirements, complete homebuyer education and financial literacy courses, and contribute sweat equity hours by helping build homes alongside volunteers.
For Starr, that process made the final result even more meaningful.
“It wasn’t just, ‘Here’s your house,’” she said. “I had to show up, learn, put in the work, and really be present through every step. From the classes to the build days, it made me appreciate what it truly takes to build something from the ground up.”
Watching the walls rise and seeing each stage of construction unfold left a lasting impression.
“To see my home come to life piece by piece, it hit different,” Starr said. “Like, this is really mine, and I helped make it happen.”
Beyond the physical structure, Starr says the experience gave her something equally valuable: knowledge.
“I gained knowledge, confidence, and a different level of discipline,” she said. “I learned so much about homeownership. It gave me a sense of pride, like I earned this.”
She also credits Habitat’s education programs for ensuring families are prepared not only to purchase a home, but to sustain it for years to come.
“They didn’t just hand over keys. They made sure I was equipped,” Starr said. “The classes, the financial education, the expectations, all of that prepared me to actually sustain this, not just have it.”
The impact of homeownership extends beyond one person. For Starr, the experience has become a lesson for her family and a foundation for future generations.
“I want them to see that anything worth having isn’t easy,” she said. “It takes work, consistency, and faith. I want them to understand that we don’t just wait for opportunities. We prepare for them and step into them. And most importantly, I want them to feel what stability looks like, so they can carry that into their own lives one day.”
She added, “They set a foundation so this isn’t just for right now. It is something I can build on and pass down.”
When asked what she would say to the volunteers, donors, and supporters who helped along the way, Starr’s gratitude was immediate.
“I want them to know this wasn’t just building a house. You helped change our life,” she said. “Every hour, every donation, every nail, it all mattered. You gave my family something we’ll carry forever, and that’s something I don’t take lightly. We’re truly grateful.”
For Habitat for Humanity of York County, stories like Starr’s are a reminder that homeownership is about more than walls and a roof. It is about dignity. It is about opportunity. It is about legacy.
And sometimes, it is the first step toward everything that comes next.
Written by Karl Vogl ll
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.