Mission Elevation Success Stories: Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County
It was a game changer; it became so much clearer how we could be successful. We've completely changed the way we do business in the last year, and it really helped me be a better leader.”
— Sheila Overstreet, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County
Since its inception in 1994, Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County (Habitat) has been dedicated to providing affordable housing to families in need. Over the years, this volunteer-driven organization has built or rehabilitated about one home annually—a remarkable feat for a rural county with limited resources. However, in recent years, the organization has sought to amplify its impact and create more housing opportunities for residents in Franklin County. Their turning point came when they participated in the Mission Elevation Program, a transformative professional development program that refined their approach to community development, positioned the organization for long-term success.
Franklin County faces unique housing challenges. While parts of the county have higher rates of affluence, the rural areas suffer from a severe shortage of affordable housing. Recognizing this in recent years, Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County set out to scale their efforts, aiming to build three homes annually instead of one. Executive leadership at Habitat knew this meant that they needed to plan new fundraising and capacity building strategies to achieve their goals.
Mission Elevation provided the tools, coaching, and strategic framework necessary for this transformation. Through workshops, retreats, and one-on-one coaching, Habitat reimagined its business model to ensure sustainability. A pivotal shift involved transitioning from holding mortgages in-house to leveraging third-party lending, a move that freed up resources to fund additional projects. This change alone is enabling Habitat to expand their building capacity significantly in the coming years.
One of the standout features of the program includes the array of tools and strategies provided, such as sustainability mapping and storytelling techniques. These tools allowed the Habitat team to analyze their operations, identify growth opportunities, and refine their messaging to better connect with donors and community members.
The coaching component of Mission Elevation proved to be invaluable for Habitat. Executive Director Sheila Overstreet shared how her coach, Sheila Maith, not only held her accountable but also helped her think creatively and strategically.
"Having someone that you could be transparent with and pick ideas apart with helped us grow and stretch ourselves," she said.
The outcomes of Mission Elevation’s strategic overhaul with Habitat are already evident. The organization has increased its ReStore profits by 20%, a critical revenue stream for their projects. Habitat’s fundraising efforts have also skyrocketed, with a recent event raising $167,000—a significant achievement for a single Habitat affiliate. These funds will directly support their mission to build more homes and improve access to affordable housing in Franklin County.
In addition to new construction, Habitat is enhancing its critical home repair program, addressing the needs of existing homeowners in the community.
Participating in the Mission Elevation Program has transformed not only the organization’s operations but also its leadership. Sheila noted that the experience made her a stronger, more effective leader. By fostering teamwork, building connections with other organizations, and embracing innovative strategies, Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County is now equipped to sustain and grow its impact.
As Sheila reflected, "For us, it was a game changer -- it became so much clearer how we could be successful. We've completely changed the way we do business in the last year, and it really helped me be a better leader.”
With a newfound momentum, Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County is poised to make an even greater difference in the lives of local families. By addressing the region’s housing shortage with a sustainable approach, they’re not just building homes—they’re building hope, stability, and a brighter future for their community.
Learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County and their programs here.
