Habitat For Humanity Camden County
Guest: Sherri Stockfleth, Operations Director, Habitat for Humanity of Camden County
Host: Alison Shores
⏱️ Chapters 0:00 – Intro & Welcome to Episode 67
0:53 – Meet Sherri Stockfleth, Habitat for Humanity Camden County
2:39 – History of Habitat in Camden County (since 1998)
3:18 – How the build process works & contractor partnerships
5:04 – The “Hand Up, Not a Handout” model explained
6:56 – Sweat equity: 300 volunteer hours required
8:44 – Community volunteers & Navy team story
10:23 – How to get involved with local builds
12:10 – Spotlight on the ReStore (what they sell & accept)
14:55 – Donation pickups & how they work
15:58 – Future plans: downsizing store to fund more homes
18:18 – Habitat board members & recruitment needs
19:50 – Polar Classic Golf Tournament fundraiser ⛳
21:58 – Why join the board? Volunteer leadership impact
23:25 – ReStore volunteers & community supporters
25:58 – How to donate, volunteer, and shop the ReStore
28:21 – Rapid Fire Questions with Sherri (favorites & fun!)
29:59 – Closing & Call to Action
Episode Summary
Alison sits down with Sherri Stockfleth to unpack what Habitat for Humanity of Camden County really does beyond “building houses.” Founded locally in 1998, the affiliate has just completed its 36th home, primarily in Kingsland and Woodbine, using PAR Construction as the current general contractor and a network of discounted-rate subs and community volunteers.
Sherri explains the “hand up, not a handout” model: families purchase their home at cost ($180–$190k) using a USDA Direct Loan, contribute 300 hours of sweat equity, and typically land an affordable monthly payment around $1,200 (often less with subsidy). To protect long-term affordability, Habitat holds a silent second that’s forgiven at the end of the loan term.
The conversation spotlights the ReStore (141 City Smitty Dr., Kings Bay Village)—a major engine funding operations—and how the team manages pickups ($25 fee for a few items; free for 4+ substantial items). Sherri also shares volunteer stories (including a Navy crew laying sod) and puts out calls for store helpers, build-day volunteers, quality donations, and new board members with strengths in fundraising and finance. Looking ahead, Habitat plans a strategic move to a smaller space in a couple of years to reduce overhead and channel more dollars into homes, plus the return of the Polar Classic golf tournament in January/February (TBA).
Rapid-fire closes the show on a fun note—Sherri’s gluten-free go-tos (Carve Bistro’s pinsa, Firefly’s bowls), her early-bird routine, and Saturday adventures on the water.
Summary Highlights (Quick Hits)
Local Impact: Established 1998; 36 homes completed in Camden County.
How It Works:
Buyers purchase at build cost with USDA Direct Loan.
300 hours of sweat equity required + demonstrated housing need.
Typical payment ≈ $1,200/mo; silent second preserves affordability.
Home Specs: Recent builds are 4 bed / 2 bath.
Build Partners: PAR Construction as GC; subs often discount labor.
Volunteer-Friendly Tasks: Laying sod, cleanup, painting touchups, leveling dirt, post-drywall cleanup—no trade skills required.
ReStore Essentials:
Address: 141 City Smitty Dr. (by the movie theater), Kings Bay Village
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Donations: Clean, sellable items only; drop off when staff is present.
Pickups: $25 for a couple items; free for 4+ substantial items.
Board Recruitment: Meets last Tuesday, 5:00 PM. Seeking leaders with fundraising energy & fiscal skills (finance committee).
What’s Next: Planned store relocation (in a few years) to cut costs and build more homes; Polar Classic golf fundraiser returns Jan/Feb (TBA).
Community Story: Navy team jumped in to help lay sod—neighbors joined on the spot.
Call to Action:
Volunteer / Donate / Join the Board: Stop by the ReStore or call to schedule a pickup.
Businesses & Civic Groups: Adopt a build day, sponsor the Polar Classic, or host a ReStore drive.
Listeners: Like, share, and subscribe—and spread the word about Habitat’s mission in Camden County.
Habitat for Humanity of Camden County
Chance Waters
141 City Smitty DriveSt Marys GA 31558
Sherri Stockfleth
Operations Director
141 City Smitty DriveSt Marys GA 31558
