Dorchester Habitat for Humanity

Homeownership

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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.

View Ranges

Get Application

The application period will be open August 1–August 29. Ensure you meet the requirements before submitting.

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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.
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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

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.

Homeownership Application Open Period

Dorchester Habitat for Humanity’s Homeownership Program application period will be open August 1–August 29. Applications are available to download or by picking up a paper copy at the Dorchester Habitat ReStore, Monday–Saturday from 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. We are located at 101 Greyback Road, Summerville, SC 29483

Due to the high volume of interest during this application period, we will not be able to return phone calls. For questions or additional information, please email home@dorchesterhabitat.org.

Download Application