Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County: Amanda’s Story

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Amanda grew up in a loving home with her parents, twin brother, and older sister. Her family regularly attended church, a congregation that has supported Habitat for Humanity for many years. Amanda would have never guessed how life would come full circle. 

Amanda graduated from high school in 2005. Adolescence was especially difficult. By her own admission, she shares: “I made rebellious choices and really hurt my family and myself.”

The following years were filled with difficulty and hardship. Mistakes began piling up and soon she was overwhelmed and could not see a way out of her circumstances. She experienced living in hotels, being evicted from apartment complexes, and unhealthy relationships. South Carolina has one of the highest eviction rates in the nation. An eviction record often makes prospective tenants ineligible for housing. At one point, Amanda resorted to living in a tent in a national forest. 

Exhausted from years of hardship, an unexpected and unusual phone conversation brought clarity to Amanda. It was a catalyst that helped Amanda realize she needed to take serious steps to get her life back on track. She knew it would likely involve a long and challenging process. Fortunately, her family and local church offered critical support, and she was ready to accept it, helping her start a new path in life.

Amanda shared that she surrendered her life to God, explaining, “I have not been good at running it [life] myself.” Since that decision, Amanda sees God working in her life.  

While making strides to create a better life, social support once again played a key part in Amanda’s journey. Employed with Aramark at Bob Jones University, a few friends and staff members noticed signs that Amanda was beginning to backtrack. Concerned, they came alongside her and discovered ways she could be best supported and encouraged. This led to Amanda receiving an offer for a full time role with  BJU Press - a position that came with  childcare benefits for her daughter, Grace, and the place she met her husband. 

Amanda has been accepted into the Habitat homeownership program. She believes this was an answer to prayer.

“I’m 32 years old and should be dead or in jail, but God is putting the broken pieces back together and making a masterpiece!” Amanda shares. 

Habitat for Humanity collaborates with partners like the Greenville Homeless Alliance (GHA) and works with other local organizations to offer permanent housing solutions for individuals  and families experiencing homelessness. Both Habitat for Humanity and the GHA are excited for Amanda and her daughter, Grace, to move into their own home soon!