(Anderson, S.C. – July 8, 2025) – Azrial mingled with visitors in his fresh new living room on July 1 as his two young sons laughed and ran circles between them. Standing nearby, his mother called to steer her grandkids out of officials' way as they scurried with final preparations for a momentous climax to a months-long project.
The threat of rain had moved the official dedication of Azrial's new home inside from his front yard. Thunder could be heard in the distance, but nothing seemed to dampen spirits.
The single father was handed the key to his front door after investing sweat equity and education alongside the initiative, work and donations brought through a partnership between AnMed and Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County.
"The prescription for health and wellbeing starts with a stable home," said Habitat's executive director, Angela Walkup. "Our partnership with AnMed reflects a shared vision - that health and housing go hand in hand. Together, we're building more than homes; we're building a foundation for healthier, stronger communities."
"Thank you to everyone at AnMed and Habitat for Humanity," said Azrial, who invested his own sweat equity to build the home. "I never had a permanent place to live like this when I was growing up. To be able to give this to my sons, that means a lot."
Construction began in February with framing work in a parking lot outside AnMed Medical Center. Dozens of nurses, technicians, executives and other health care professionals learned new skills and put hammers to nails. Work soon shifted to the new home's site on the southeast side of Anderson.
Landscaping was installed on the hottest day of the year.
Thunderstorms held off on the day of dedication until Azrial and family were left to settle in alone. They're planning to put up a basketball goal in the driveway.
Azrial is purchasing the home with an interest-free mortgage.
"This is a wonderful, tangible representation of our work to help people live more healthful, joyful lives," AnMed CEO William Kenley said to the small crowd that had gathered to celebrate. "Our vision at AnMed is to work together for better health and a better life, and having done just that with Azrial and Habitat for Humanity, it's immensely gratifying and fulfilling."
1 Single father
2 Young sons
4 Exterior walls
150 Volunteers from AnMed
600 Work hours by AnMed employees
32,000 Dollars raised through AnMed donations
Limitless Future for the Family.
