News - Revitalizing Spartanburg: Habitat for Humanity's New Initiative

The Spartanburg City Council has initiated a promising redevelopment effort by approving the transfer of a vacant lot at 457 Bethlehem Drive to Habitat for Humanity. This is the first step in a larger strategy to develop a variety of vacant lots throughout the city, especially in the Highland neighborhood. Deputy City Manager Mitch Kennedy explains that while other developers may be involved in the future, the current focus is on leveraging Habitat's expertise. In a city where a 2017 survey identified approximately 2,000 vacant lots within its limits, Spartanburg owns about 100 and is actively pursuing developers to rejuvenate these spaces. As part of these efforts, in 2024, the city committed nine vacant lots to Oak and Ave Property Group for the construction of single-family homes. Since its establishment in Spartanburg in 1987, Habitat for Humanity has built homes using diverse funding sources, and it stands ready to expand its contributions in Highland. "We are prepared to offer as many housing units as possible within the community, as quickly as we can," states Davis from Habitat for Humanity. Moreover, Habitat aims to transform its role in the community from just constructing houses to a comprehensive partnership with the city. The organization is developing an array of services to assist potential homeowners by aligning with other groups. This approach alters their response from denial to a hopeful "not yet," says Davis. Habitat for Humanity is not just changing locally but also nationally by diversifying its housing projects beyond single-family homes. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to enhance the housing diversity in the city of Spartanburg.