The South Carolina Office of Resilience, Google and Habitat for Humanity South Carolina are expanding an initiative aimed at helping families improve the safety, efficiency and resilience of their homes.
Google is providing $1 million to support weatherization and energy-efficiency upgrades for resource-constrained and storm-impacted households across South Carolina, according to the announcement from the South Carolina Office of Resilience.
The funding will allow the program to reach additional communities, including Berkeley County and other parts of the Lowcountry.
Home improvements supported through the initiative may include replacing older windows, improving insulation, installing energy-efficient appliances and evaluating heating and air-conditioning systems. The work is intended to help families lower energy costs while making their homes better prepared for severe weather.
The latest funding follows a previous $1 million contribution from Google in 2024 that supported the repair, reconstruction and weatherization of homes affected by Hurricane Helene.
Helene caused widespread damage across South Carolina, leaving many communities dealing with flooding, fallen trees, power outages and damaged homes. More information about Habitat for Humanity’s ongoing recovery work is available through its Hurricane Helene relief program.
The new round of funding will expand that work beyond storm recovery and help additional homeowners make improvements before future severe weather occurs.
Google has operated a data center in Berkeley County since 2007 and has continued to invest in the Lowcountry. The company’s local presence makes Berkeley County a natural focus for part of the expanded effort.
Habitat for Humanity South Carolina will help carry out the work through its network of affiliates, including Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County.
The Berkeley County affiliate has built and repaired homes for families throughout the area and is also preparing to develop a new nine-home community in Goose Creek.
The South Carolina Office of Resilience works with state agencies, local governments and community organizations to prepare for disasters and reduce the effects of flooding and severe weather. Its broader planning efforts are outlined in the state’s Strategic Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan.
For Lowcountry residents, the expanded initiative could provide direct assistance with home repairs and upgrades that may otherwise be difficult to afford. It also places additional resources in communities that regularly face the threat of hurricanes, flooding and other severe weather.
The funding represents another step toward improving the durability and energy efficiency of homes across the region while helping families prepare for future storms.