Building Homes
& Creating Hope
Income Guidelines
Your total gross household income must be between 35% and 80% of the Area Median Income for Dorchester County.
Meet Our Homeowners
Be A Build Volunteer
Giving A Hand-Up
Dorchester Habitat for Humanity constructs safe, permanent homes in partnership with low-to-moderate-income individuals and families who cannot afford a conventional mortgage. Dorchester Habitat for Humanity provides a hand-up – not a handout – to local individuals and families.
Qualified future homeowners contribute sweat-equity hours, assisting at the ReStore and building homes for other families before ultimately building their own. Additionally, they participate in financial education coaching and classes to prepare them for homeownership. In return, they receive an affordable, no-interest home mortgage. Monthly mortgage payments help build future Habitat homes.
Understanding Mortgages
A Guide to the Different Types and How They Function
Homeowner Spotlight
Requirements & Guidelines
To apply for Dorchester Habitat for Humanity’s Homeownership Program, you must live or work in Dorchester County. If you do not live or work in Dorchester County, please contact the Habitat for Humanity affiliate that serves your area. Please note that a Summerville mailing address does not always mean your home is located in Dorchester County, so be sure to verify your county of residence or employment before submitting your application.
Homeownership Program Requirements
At Dorchester Habitat for Humanity, we believe everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. We are committed to providing equal housing opportunities and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.
To be considered for our Homeownership Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
- Live and/or work in Dorchester County for at least 12 consecutive months.
- Demonstrate a need for safe, decent, and affordable housing.
- Ability to pay an affordable Habitat mortgage.
- Willingness to partner with Dorchester Habitat by completing 425 hours of sweat-equity.
For additional information and questions, please email home@dorchesterhabitat.org.
Household Income Guidelines
Your total gross household income must be between 35% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Dorchester County.
| Family Size | Minimum Annual Income | Maximum Annual Income |
| 1 | $28,805 | $65,840 |
| 2 | $32,900 | $75,200 |
| 3 | $37,030 | $84,640 |
| 4 | $41,125 | $94,000 |
| 5 | $44,415 | $101,520 |
| 6 | $47,705 | $109,040 |
| 7 | $50,995 | $116,560 |
| 8 | $54,285 | $124,080 |
Income guidelines are effective May 1, 2026, and are based on HUD, SC Housing Trust Fund, and Federal Home Loan Bank standards.