Dorchester Habitat for Humanity is a people-powered, international non-profit that makes decent shelter a reality for those in need. They are working in communities to end mortgage foreclosure and homelessness, and their vision is an end to substandard housing as we know it.
Habitat partners with families with a mortgage to help them repair their homes and make them safe, comfortable, and affordable.
If you’re interested in joining them, they have a variety of volunteer opportunities moving the construction and repair of houses, as well as raising awareness about human rights issues related to housing around the globe. To learn more about them, keep on reading.
Where It All Began
Habitat for Humanity works in local communities across all 50 states and over 70 countries. Its vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live – they have access to decent housing and are kept safe from violence, poverty, and exploitation.
They repair, renovate or build new homes or provide financial support to rebuild in partnership with individuals and families in need. Additionally, they build strong communities and provide the building blocks needed to break the cycle of poverty by empowering families to achieve sustainable homeownership.
Origin of the Idea
The idea behind Habitat for Humanity came about when Millard and Linda Fuller saw a need for affordable housing in their community. They had to deposit and agree to a repayment schedule to build the first house. They hope others may be inspired to follow their example by building decent, affordable homes for low-income families.
The Jimmy Carter Work Project was also essential to the Habitat movement. Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, joined Habitat for Humanity in 1984. Together they have raised awareness of the organization’s work on a global scale, fought for affordable housing for families around the world, and supported Habitat volunteers around the world.
They established their organization to continue their work with Habitat, while Millard continued to build houses on a much smaller scale.
The Charleston area is home to five affiliates of Habitat for Humanity. This includes Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County, Habitat for Humanity of Charleston Area, Habitat for Humanity of Sea Island, East Cooper Habitat, and Dorchester Habitat. These affiliate organizations provide housing construction and rehabilitation services to families in need throughout the greater Charleston area.
All About Dorchester Habitat
Dorchester Habitat is a non-profit organization formed to address the housing shortage in Dorchester County. It was founded in 1993 and has completed 74 homes in Dorchester County. Over the years, they have saved an average of $35,000 per home, mainly using volunteer labor. They have also managed to minimize construction costs by primarily utilizing volunteer labor.
Additionally, they seek to provide qualified families with low-cost, safe, quality homes. These homes are built by volunteers and with the help of local community members. Habitat brings affordable housing to underserved neighborhoods throughout South Carolina through volunteer labor, donations, and support.
Generally, Dorchester Habitat’s homeownership program helps families of modest means get settled and on their path to self-sufficiency. By partnering with Habitat for Humanity, they can help low-income families fix up, build and own their dream homes.
How does Dorchester Habitat For Humanity Work?
Whether you are a low-income family looking for affordable housing or an individual looking to build equity in your home, Dorchester Habitat for Humanity is here to help. Habitat partners with thousands of families each year to help stabilize their lives.
To help these families, their family selection committee closely examines their immediate and long-term needs and ability to repay a mortgage through an affordable payment plan. They’re committed to helping families build more vital, more stable lives.
Habitat homeowners commit to helping improve their lives by joining them at work parties, volunteering at community service events, or donating materials. In return, they receive fair market pricing on the homes they create.
A Better Future For Everyone
Every family who chooses home ownership through Habitat for Humanity creates a better future for themselves and their communities. Also, Dorchester Habitat for Humanity is committed to doing everything possible to help everyone build homes. It believes that every person has the right to live in a decent house with a roof over their head and a safe, clean environment to raise their children.
Habitat for Humanity does not discriminate against anyone based on race, religion, or other characteristics. Finding an appropriate home for you may take some time, but once you do, you’ll have support and time to settle in.
All About Habitat For Humanity ReStore
Habitat for Humanity ReStore offers a great place to shop locally and help your community. They donate all their proceeds to building homes and improving communities. Every dollar you spend at a Habitat store or donation center helps make a difference; in the lives of those living in shelters, homes, and communities worldwide. Generally, the funds are used to build homes and improve communities locally and worldwide.
They also have monthly auctions at the ReStore. Each month, they have a different theme for their auctions. Their March auctions feature furniture from the early 20th century, ranging from antique reproductions to original pieces. It is open to the public on Wednesdays between the 1st and 3rd of each month.
They offer great deals on high-value collector items, antiques, art pieces, and more at lower prices each Wednesday. If you’re unsure what to bid on, stop by for a firsthand peek at their carefully curated inventory. Register for a bidding number at the cashier when you arrive.
Volunteer Opportunities
Habitat for Humanity has helped over 600,000 people build a new life. At Habitat, you can join us as a volunteer by choosing from one of our many opportunities. Your time and efforts will help create hope for families worldwide. Join Habitat for Humanity and help people find a safe place to live.
Conclusion
Habitat for Humanity empowers families in the Dorchester community and beyond. They partner with families to build simple, sustainable homes they can afford and stay in. Their vision is an inclusive community where everyone has a place they can call home. Whether you have a heart for building or not, they will have a spot waiting for you when you are ready.
It’s about more than building a house. Dorchester Habitat For Humanity strongly believes in creating great communities and fostering an environment of opportunity for your children to receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the future. Give them a call to find out more!
