Dorchester Habitat for Humanity is proud to announce it has received a $50,000 grant from Publix Super Markets Charities to support the construction of its 80th home and the fourth and final home in the organization’s Building Dreams on Dean Drive neighborhood initiative.
The grant will help fund the completion of a new home for future homeowner Maria Mora, a hardworking mother of three whose journey to homeownership exemplifies perseverance, determination, and hope.
“Publix Super Markets Charities continues to be an incredible partner in helping families achieve the dream of affordable homeownership,” said Erin Roach, Director of Development and Marketing for Dorchester Habitat for Humanity. “This generous investment will help us complete our 80th home and ensure that Maria and her children have a safe, stable place to call home for generations to come.”
The Building Dreams on Dean Drive project has transformed a once-vacant area into a thriving neighborhood of four Habitat homes. The first three homes have already welcomed families, including KC Douglas, Michael and Maria Tibayan, and Shonta Rivers.
The final home will belong to Maria Mora, who first applied to Dorchester Habitat’s Homeownership Program in 2019 but did not qualify. Rather than giving up, she participated in financial coaching, improved her credit, strengthened her financial literacy, and reapplied in 2024. Today, she is preparing to build her family’s future through affordable homeownership.
“I am so proud of myself for trying again,” said Mora. “Working with the financial coach, I learned so much, and I am doing things I never thought I would do. My view of life has changed, and I am so grateful.”
Maria has already completed more than 375 hours toward her required 425 sweat-equity hours, volunteering on Habitat construction sites, serving at the ReStore, and helping other Habitat families move closer to homeownership.
The home also represents a significant milestone for the organization. Since 1993, Dorchester Habitat for Humanity has partnered with local families to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable housing. The completion of Home #80 reflects more than three decades of impact across Dorchester County.
The Dean Drive neighborhood has also inspired remarkable community support. Over 628 volunteers contributed more than 5,300 hours toward the first three homes, saving an estimated $168,528 in labor costs. Local partners, including RH Moore, Dorchester County, and National Trench Safety, also provided nearly $80,000 in donated labor, materials, and equipment to overcome infrastructure challenges and keep the project moving forward.
“We are deeply grateful to Publix Super Markets Charities for investing in local families and strengthening our community,” said Roach. “Their support is helping us transform lives through safe, affordable housing and continue our mission of transforming Dorchester County one home at a time.”
About Dorchester Habitat for Humanity
Founded in 1993, Dorchester Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Through affordable homeownership opportunities, financial education, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships, the organization helps local families achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. To date, Dorchester Habitat has partnered with 79 families and is currently constructing its milestone 80th home.