Genesis Homes, a nonprofit founded by members of First Baptist Church Greenville in 2006, commemorated two decades of service with an anniversary celebration on Oct. 6 at the church. The event gathered board members, staff, philanthropic partners and community leaders who have helped the organization grow.
Roots and growth
Local affordable‑housing advocate Deborah McKetty presented the need for safe, affordable homes to the church’s adult classes in fall 2005. Inspired by those talks, a group of congregants explored forming a community‑development corporation, leading to Genesis Homes’ incorporation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Since completing its first development in 2007, Genesis Homes has built 84 affordable homes across Greenville and Laurens counties, primarily for families earning 60% or less of the area median income. The nonprofit focuses on three special‑emphasis neighborhoods in Greenville—Haynie‑Sirrine, Nicholtown and Greenline‑Spartanburg—contributing to their revitalization.
Current projects and future plans
Sixteen housing projects are under construction or slated to break ground, including the organization’s 100th affordable home in Nicholtown, recently approved by Greenville’s Community Development Division. Genesis Homes is also shifting toward neighborhood‑scale multi‑family housing to increase unit supply, exemplified by a duplex project on Spartanburg Street slated for completion in September 2027.
Support and community impact
The nonprofit receives funding from SC Housing’s HOME Investment Partnership Program, the South Carolina Housing Trust Fund, the National Housing Trust Fund, and private donors such as the Hollingsworth Funds and the Jolley Foundation, totaling nearly $350,000 since 2006.
Beyond roofs, Genesis Homes offers programs that help residents earn college degrees, achieve homeownership, and access veteran, senior and youth services. Resident support manager Carolyn Wilson emphasized that success is measured by people’s lives, not just the number of homes built.
New opportunity fund
In honor of the organization’s first executive director, Jim Childress, the board approved the Jim Childress Opportunity Fund, raising over $20,000. The fund will provide tuition assistance, transportation and child‑care support to help residents pursue education, training and employment opportunities.
Recognition
Greenville City Councilmember Dorothy Dowe presented a proclamation declaring Oct. 6, 2026, as Genesis Homes 20th Anniversary Day, recognizing the nonprofit’s lasting contribution to the community.
As Genesis Homes continues its strategic planning, Executive Director Alex McNair says the organization aims to accelerate the delivery of quality affordable housing and support services, ensuring that in ten years the community can look back and see every possible opportunity pursued.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
