Publix Super Markets Charities donated $50,000 to Dorchester Habitat for Humanity to support the Women Build initiative that will build a home in partnership with a hardworking, single mother beginning in March. The funding will sponsor half the cost of the home build.
“We are so proud to work with Publix Super Markets Charities as a long-standing partner that always steps up and makes an enormous difference as we, together, provide our neighbors with the opportunity to build and own decent, affordable homes,” said Jaye Jones Elliott, Dorchester Habitat for Humanity President and CEO.
Dorchester Habitat for Humanity will use funds to help build a home during Women Build, their largest annual volunteer community impact that runs for an entire month. Beginning Tuesday, March 5, 250+ women will gather at the construction site to learn homebuilding skills, as well as learn about homeownership programs and financial coaching. The 2024 Women Build future homeowner is anticipated to be KC Douglas and her son, DJ.
“The goal of Women Build is always a celebration of the generosity and forward mobility of women in our community,” said Jones Elliott. “This home build is especially celebratory because KC is the first future homeowner who works full-time at Dorchester Habitat for Humanity.”
Douglas schedules ReStore truck donations, and manages and coaches ReStore volunteers while performing a variety of administrative tasks essential to the ReStore and office. She grew up in Monks Corner and has lived in second floor apartments her entire life. One of Douglas’ biggest motivations in building her own home is that she will be able to bring her grandmother to visit her.
“My grandma can’t do the stairs,” said Douglas. “I go every day to visit her in the nursing home. One day, very soon, I will be able to bring her to my home.”
Douglas spends her Saturdays at the construction site working to build Habitat homes alongside other volunteers and other future homeowners.
“I am looking forward to Women Build,” said Douglas. “I am in awe of these amazing, strong, and giving women. I am forever grateful to them for helping my dreams come true.”
“Women Build has created an annual tradition in our community for women to come build alongside coworkers and peers in an educational, stress-free environment,” said Jones Elliott. “These women are such a blessing to our community, future homeowners and this mission.”
To learn more about Women Build, please email events@dorchesterhabitat.org.
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Dorchester Habitat was founded in 1993 and has since completed 76 homes in Dorchester County. It takes roughly 2,000 volunteer hours and nearly $166,000 without land to complete each home. Dorchester Habitat keeps construction costs at a minimum by utilizing mostly volunteer labor and by using all proceeds from its ReStore to purchase materials and land.
