FLORENCE, S.C. — Habitat for Humanity officials and board members joined ambassadors from the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce to hold a ribbon cutting Wednesday for Habitat’s new location at 1354 Celebration Blvd.

Debbie Edwards, executive director of the Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity, was excited when the organization moved from the Irby Street location to its new address on Celebration Boulevard in October and said the ribbon cutting was a great way to officially kick things off.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Edwards said. “This is a much bigger location, which will allow us to house more donations that will come. The location is also more convenient for both our donors and for us to pick up donations.”

Habitat for Humanity takes donations and sells them in its “re-store,” where the proceeds go toward providing housing for low-income families in the area.

With the proceeds from the sales at this facility and contributions from the community, Habitat for Humanity expects to build two houses this year with a goal to reach three houses soon thereafter.

One of the benefits to the new location, according to Edwards, is also the ability to house the re-store, collect donations and have administrative offices all under the same roof.

For Edwards, the mission of Habitat for Humanity is much more than providing house. It is about changing a life through an act of service.

“When you help others and you see the results of how you’ve helped them, it changes your perspective,” Edwards said. “We’ve seen kids go on to graduate from high school and college. Hardworking families need help. They are in crisis and all they want is to be able have that little bit of help to push them forward.”

“You see the smiles on the children’s faces when they have a place to stay and it truly makes a difference,” Edwards said. “It’s a blessing to be a part of.”

Donations can be dropped off at the new location or can be scheduled for pick up. All donations are tax deductible.

For more information or to contribute to Habitat for Humanity, call 843-665-1624 or visit FlorenceHabitat.com online.