Mission: Home Works of America

AT FIG, WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF A COMMUNITY that works together to identify needs and find solutions—one that creates connections and is passionate about helping its neighbors. For our 2020 Social Mission partner, we’ve chosen Home Works of America, an impactful non-profit whose good works contribute to our thriving, local community.

Home Works of America is a Christ-centered non-profit organization providing home repair services to low-income homeowners while mentoring and  disciplining youth in the process. It was founded in 1996 by Hank Chardos after his daughter came back from a wonderful experience on a mission trip in high school. With a pickup truck, a ladder, and a toolbox, Home Works of America was founded. It grew exponentially over the years—in 2019, Home Works repaired 174 homes—the most in a year since 2009. 

One way that many student volunteers get started with Home Works of America is through volunteering during a week-long Summer Session. Because no experience is necessary for a Summer Session, it’s an easy way to get involved.

“Volunteers get a lot out of their weeks spent with us,” said Joe Huggins, Executive Director. “They can make a connection with a new friend that is likely 50–60 years older than them as they get to know the homeowner of the house they are working on. They have the opportunity to see how others have it and realize how blessed they are at home. There’s the camaraderie and teamwork that volunteers experience, along with the experience of doing things that they have never done before like working on a roof, painting, plumbing, putting in a new floor, and more.”

Days are spent renovating homes, learning construction skills, and bringing hope to the homeowners and involve tasks ranging from basic construction work to painting, house cleaning, roofing, and more while the afternoons are spent at a local beach, pool, or ballpark. 

“The homeowners get even more out of the experience,” said Huggins. “First of all, they know they are loved and cared for. Many of our homeowners are lonely—they either don’t have any children or their kids live far away. Our volunteers come in and brighten up their days as they fix up their homes to ensure that they have a warm, safe, and dry place to live that is also safe and secure.”

Learn more about Home Works of America and how you can get involved by visiting their website homeworksofamerica.org or by calling 803.781.4536.

HOME WORKS OF AMERICA HAS FIVE OPEN SUMMER SESSIONS PLANNED FOR THIS SUMMER:

 
Registration will open on March 3 for each Summer Session.

• June 4–7: Greenville Summer Session
• June 21–26: Charleston Summer Session
• July 5–11: Lake City Summer Session
• July 13–20: Aiken Summer Session
• July 19–25: Johns Island Summer Session