By Stephen Baldwin, RealWV
Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity’s annual fundraiser, “Denim & Diamonds”, is set to return. On October 16 from 6:30-9:30pm, the nonprofit will host guests at Valley View Farm just west of downtown Lewisburg for a good time in support of an important cause.
“It’s a big deal for us,” explains Kayla Dransfield, Executive Director. “The event is designed to reflect our mission of building affordable homes in the Greenbrier Valley.”
Dransfield invites attendees to dress up in their “denim & diamonds” for the night, which will include games of BINGO, costume contests, loads of local prizes, high-quality food, and lots of classic country music.
“We’re really excited to present this,” she shares.
Bridging the housing affordability gap
All proceeds from the event directly benefit Almost Heaven, which is a local affiliate of the national Habitat for Humanity nonprofit. Dransfield says they are focused on providing zero-interest affordable housing to working families in Greenbrier County.
“We just finished two new home construction units in Ronceverte, and we’re in the middle of building two more,” she says. “This summer, we put in a grant to hopefully build two more next year as well.”
“The housing affordability gap feels wider than ever,” Dransfield says, referencing a report commissioned by Charleston Area Medical Center’s Greenbrier Valley Medical Center on community needs.
“They report that 23.27% of Greenbrier County households are ‘cost-burdened,’ with housing costs at 30% or more of their total household income,” she says. “Nearly 20% of the population in Greenbrier County lives below the federal poverty line with 27.84% of residents ages 0-17 living below the federal poverty. Additionally, more than 30% of Greenbrier County households are ‘Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed’ (ALICE), earning more than the federal poverty level but still not enough to meet basic needs.”
That’s where Almost Heaven steps in to make a mark, building homes using volunteer labor and offering zero-interest loans to qualified local families.
“It’s a pretty sweet deal,” Dransfield says. “Where else can you get that kind of loan? And while our houses are volunteer-built, our supervisors are on-site ensuring the build is done right.”
Volunteers came from across the country this past year to assist Almost Heaven with home builds. “We had the most groups this year that we’ve had since I’ve been in this position,” she adds. “We had 14 groups from multiple states who came and stayed in the Greenbrier Valley, building our homes.”
‘Denim & Diamonds’ details
For those who want to support Almost Heaven’s work, tickets to the “Denim & Diamonds” fundraiser are available now via this link. Sponsorships are also welcomed for the event.
The fundraiser will be held October 16 from 6:30-9:30pm at Valley View Farm. For details, please call Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity at 304-647-3342 or visit their website.
