Greenville Celebrates Monroe Free’s Legacy with Order of the Palmetto Honor

Greenville, S.C. Celebrates a Legend: Monroe Free Honored with the Order of the Palmetto

It was a delightful evening in Greenville, South Carolina, where a true champion of the community was honored on Wednesday night. Monroe Free, the retiring CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville, received the prestigious Order of the Palmetto, recognizing his extraordinary dedication and profound impact on the lives of many. For those who don’t know, the Order of the Palmetto is awarded to South Carolinians who exhibit remarkable lifetime achievements and contributions that go beyond the norm—just like Free.

A Legacy of Service

Free’s connection to Habitat for Humanity of Greenville has been longstanding and impactful. Since stepping into the role of President and CEO in 2009, Free has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at assisting socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and families. As he prepares to retire at the end of this month, he leaves behind an organization that has not only thrived but has also spread its wings into the nearby Laurens County.

“Each of us gets to be an instrument of miraculous work,” Free remarked during the emotional ceremony. He went on to share his belief that every act of kindness, whether it’s serving a meal or swinging a hammer, can create a ripple of miracles in the community.

Building Homes, Building Hope

Under Free’s leadership, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville has witnessed remarkable growth. To date, the organization has successfully constructed a total of 410 homes, giving families the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need. The mission has always been clear: to bring families, community partners, and volunteers together to create affordable and energy-efficient homes. And that’s precisely what they have accomplished!

With a legacy that spans over four decades, Free has not only played a pivotal role in Habitat Greenville but has also worked with an array of nonprofits throughout the Southeast. His guidance on communications strategies, infrastructure development, and fundraising efforts has left an indelible mark on countless organizations striving to make a difference.

The Next Chapter

As Free steps aside, LaTonya Phillips will be taking the reins. Phillips is no stranger to the nonprofit realm and is expected to usher in a new era for Habitat for Humanity in Greenville. The community is eager to see how she will build upon Free’s foundation of service and commitment.

Donating and Supporting Habitat Greenville

For those looking to contribute to the ongoing mission of Habitat for Humanity in Greenville County, donations are always welcome! Habitat Greenville also runs ReStores, where people can shop for great deals while supporting the cause. Located at 3033 Wade Hampton Boulevard in Taylors and 1818 Woodruff Road in Greenville, these stores are a treasure trove of home goods and furniture. They even offer free donation pickups—just call 864-312-5016 to get started!

Since its inception in 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County has done remarkable work, and with Monroe Free’s legacy to guide them, the future looks bright.

Weather Update for Greenville

And for those enjoying the sunshine while celebrating Free’s contributions, today greets us with a mainly sunny sky and high temps around 45°F. It’s a chilly day ahead though, as night falls and temps drop to a cold 24°F. So, bundle up, Greenville! After all, there’s nothing like a chilly evening to remind us of the warmth that community brings to our lives.

Cheers to Monroe Free, and here’s to the amazing journey ahead for LaTonya Phillips and Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County!