Community Spotlight: Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County
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Building homes, hope and long-term stability for Franklin County families
Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County is laying the foundation for families to have safe, affordable homes.
Since 1994 Since opening its doors in 1994, Habitat has built 28 houses for Franklin County families and began construction on its 29th house in July 2026.
The homes are sold to qualified partner families who have provided their own “sweat equity” and receive an affordable mortgage, giving them the opportunity to become successful long-term homeowners.
In turn, that stability strengthens communities as well as families.
Critical Home Repairs
Along with constructing new homes, Habitat has rehabbed homes and provided critical home repairs for low-to-moderate income homeowners in Franklin County.
The critical care program often serves seniors, veterans and people with disabilities who need significant home repairs but have limited resources or ability to handle the work themselves.
Building homes and providing critical care to existing ones requires help in the form of donations and volunteers. The average cost to build a Habitat home is around $165,000.
Sheila Overstreet, CEO and president, says people can help raise those funds in a variety of ways. Donating land is one way people can help put a roof over a family’s head.
According to Overstreet, most of the land used to build Habitat homes has been donated, which saves the organization the cost of purchasing property.
The Habitat ReStore
Another way to help is by donating to or shopping at the Habitat ReStore located on Franklin Street in Rocky Mount.
“It’s a hidden jewel in Franklin County,” said Overstreet. The ReStore offers gently used furniture, appliances, housewares, building materials and tools at discounted prices.
Habitat will schedule pickups for donations, though it does not accept mattresses, electronics, pianos, or unsealed paint.
Events and Fundraisers
“Brick by Brick,” a gala held each May, is one avenue the agency uses to raise funds. The event welcomes Habitat families back to share what becoming homeowners has meant to them.
A golf tournament at The Waterfront Country Club on Oct. 5 offers another opportunity for the community to support Habitat.
Though not a fundraiser, a Friendsraising luncheon on Nov. 5 rolls out the welcome mat for people interested in learning more about Habitat’s mission and how they can help.
Volunteering
When actively building a home, Habitat needs 4-6 volunteers onsite to assist with construction. Work days are held Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registered volunteers receive a weekly email to sign up for work days and times.
What’s Next
Current and future projects include six duplexes on 1.2 acres in the town of Rocky Mount, where Habitat is ready to build, and another 15 acres that is part of a 10-year project to thoughtfully design an entire Habitat community.
To learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County, volunteer or donate, visit habitatfcva.org.
Read more stories about our amazing Smith Mountain Lake community.
Amy Dye
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Amy has enjoyed countless happy days with friends and family at Smith Mountain Lake. She’s written stories about lake people and places, and put together special event calendars and guides for local publications. Amy’s novel “Moonshine Serenade” pays homage to her Franklin County roots including a chapter devoted to a sweet summer day spent on Smith Mountain Lake.
