Building Homes & Creating Hope
Interest Meetings
You must attend a scheduled in-person meeting at our headquarters to receive an application.
Application Requirements
Learn about our requirements to apply for homeownership and the household income guidelines that must be met.
Be A Build Volunteer
No experience is needed, and build days are rain or shine. The address will be provided the week of your scheduled build.
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 in the ReStore and constructing homes for other families before ultimately helping build their own homes. 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 are used to help build future Habitat homes.
Understanding Mortgages
A Guide to the Different Types and How They Function
Homeowner Spotlight
Requirements & Guidelines
To be eligible to apply for Dorchester Habitat for Humanity’s Homeownership Program, you must live and/or work within our service area—Dorchester County. If you do not live or work in Dorchester County, we encourage you to contact the Habitat for Humanity affiliate serving your local area. Please note that having a Summerville address does not necessarily mean your residence is located within Dorchester County, so verify your county of residence or employment before applying.
Homeownership Program Mandatory Interest Meetings
Our Homeownership Program Interest Meetings have concluded for the current cycle. We appreciate the strong community interest and look forward to connecting with more future homeowners soon. The dates for the next round of interest meetings are to be determined, so please stay tuned for updates by visiting our website or following us on social media. For more information, please email home@dorchesterhabitat.org.
Requirements to Apply
- Live and/or work in Dorchester County for the last year.
- Ability to pay an affordable Habitat mortgage.
- Need for decent and affordable housing.
- Willingness to partner by completing 425 hours of sweat equity.
Questions? Email home@dorchesterhabitat.org or call 843-473-7464 ext. 112.
Household Income Guidelines
| Family Size | Minimum Annual Income | Maximum Annual Income |
| 1 | $27,195 | $62,160 |
| 2 | $31,080 | $71,040 |
| 3 | $34,965 | $79,920 |
| 4 | $38,815 | $88,720 |
| 5 | $41,930 | $95,840 |
| 6 | $45,045 | $102,960 |
| 7 | $48,160 | $110,080 |
| 8 | $51,240 | $117,120 |