East Cooper Habitat for Humanity (ECHFH) is a non-profit, Christian home-ownership program that provides strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. We believe that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. ECHFH utilizes volunteer labor and donated funds to provide a "hand up," not a "hand out," to its partner families. Homeowners are selected based upon their need, their demonstrated ability to handle personal finances, and their willingness to contribute a minimum of 350 "sweat equity" hours during the construction of their home. Upon completion, Habitat homes are purchased by the homeowner using an affordable mortgage. Monthly mortgage payments are then directed toward future home-building efforts as they are received.East Cooper Habitat for Humanity serves the communities east of the Cooper River and select areas of Berkeley County in South Carolina and is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. We have an open-door policy: all who believe that everyone needs a decent, affordable place to live are welcome to help with the work, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, political views or any of the other distinctions that too often divide people.