Christmas Comes Early for Local Family in Greenville!
GRENVILLE, S.C. – The holiday spirit was in full swing Friday afternoon as Matrice Sullivan received a heartwarming gift that would change her life forever! It’s not every day you get to call a brand-new house your home, and that’s exactly what Sullivan accomplished with the help of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County.
On a chilly December day, while the clouds rolled in and temperatures hovered around 58°F, Sullivan stood on her front lawn on Sturtevant Street with joy radiating from her beaming smile. Amidst overcast skies, this moment felt like a bright ray of sunshine for the proud mother of three.
A New Beginning
With a grateful heart, Sullivan reflected on her journey of becoming a homeowner. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” she exclaimed. “You have helped me give the best Christmas present to my kids!” And what a present it is! For the last eight years, Sullivan rented a home in the Sterling neighborhood that often needed repairs and was sometimes tough to manage.
After facing challenges with her rental, Sullivan knew it was time for a change and turned to Habitat for Humanity. “Habitat teaches you so much,” she stated. “And the staff walks through it with you. I love that!” This program not only helped her secure a home but equipped her with valuable skills through courses in personal finance, home maintenance, and more.
The Spirit of Giving
Friday’s dedication ceremony was a festive affair, filled with the warmth of community and the joy of achievement. Sullivan’s new house was sponsored by Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, which has generously supported Habitat for a decade. “Afforable housing is one of our focus areas for this year,” said Sean Dogan, Director of Community Health for Bon Secours. He expressed happiness for being part of such a meaningful initiative, stating, “To support a deserving family with the gift of stable, affordable housing brings joy to our heart.”
Alongside Sullivan were the families of other homes sponsored by Bon Secours, all there to celebrate this momentous occasion. The love and camaraderie in the air were like the Christmas spirit, blossoming brightly despite the gray skies.
Sweat Equity for a Stronger Community
One of the unique and commendable aspects of the Habitat process is the concept of “sweat equity.” This means that future homeowners must participate in building their own homes, as well as others, and even volunteer for different nonprofit organizations. Sullivan and her family dug in alongside future neighbors to create not just a house, but a thriving community.
“It felt good to put in the hard work,” she noted. The sense of accomplishment isn’t just about having four walls and a roof; it’s about creating a home filled with memories and love, a place where holiday traditions can bloom for years to come.
The Perfect Gift
In a time when the world can seem dark and overwhelming, Sullivan’s story shines brightly. With Christmas just around the corner, she now has a safe and warm space for her children to grow and thrive. “I can hardly wait to make new holiday memories here,” she said excitedly.
This Christmas season, Matrice Sullivan embodies the hope and resilience of families striving for better lives. Thanks to the community’s support and organizations like Habitat for Humanity, there are many more gift-worthy stories waiting to unfold in Greenville and beyond.
