SUMMERVILLE, S.C. – Dorchester Habitat for Humanity will celebrate a historic milestone on Friday, June 26 at 1:00 p.m. with the dedication of its 80th home and the final home in the Building Dreams on Dean Drive neighborhood. The ceremony will take place on Renau Boulevard in Summerville.

The home belongs to Maria Mora, a mother of three whose journey to homeownership reflects perseverance, determination, and hope.

Maria first applied to Dorchester Habitat's Homeownership Program in 2019 but did not qualify. Rather than giving up, she enrolled in Habitat's financial counseling program, improved her financial literacy, and continued working toward her dream. In May 2024, she was accepted into the program and began her homeownership journey.

Since joining the program, Maria has completed an incredible 651 sweat-equity hours, far exceeding the required 425 hours. She has volunteered on construction sites, worked in the Habitat ReStore, and helped fellow Habitat families build their homes while preparing for her own.

"Maria's story is one of perseverance and commitment," said Erin Roach, Director of Development and Marketing for Dorchester Habitat for Humanity. "She never gave up on her dream of homeownership, and today she is creating a brighter future for her children and future generations."

The dedication also marks the completion of Building Dreams on Dean Drive, a four-home neighborhood initiative that transformed vacant property into a thriving community of homeowners. The project welcomed KC Douglas, Michael and Maria Tibayan, and Shonta Rivers before concluding with Maria's home.

The final home faced nearly a year of delays due to extensive sewer infrastructure challenges. Through a remarkable public-private partnership, Dorchester County, RH Moore Company, and National Trench Safety provided nearly $80,000 in donated labor, materials, equipment, and infrastructure support to reconfigure the sewer system and prepare the site for construction. Their contributions were instrumental in making the completion of the neighborhood possible.

In addition, Publix Super Markets Charities awarded Dorchester Habitat a $50,000 grant to help fund the construction of Maria's home and ensure the successful completion of the organization's milestone 80th build.

"We are incredibly grateful to Publix Super Markets Charities, Dorchester County, RH Moore Company, National Trench Safety, our volunteers, donors, and community partners," said Roach. "This home stands as a testament to what can happen when a community comes together to invest in families and affordable homeownership."

Since 1993, Dorchester Habitat for Humanity has partnered with local families to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. The completion of Home #80 represents more than three decades of transforming lives and communities throughout Dorchester County.

Community members, volunteers, donors, and partners are invited to attend the dedication and help welcome Maria and her family home.

Event Details
80th Home Dedication Ceremony
Friday, June 26, 2026
1:00 PM
Renau Boulevard
Summerville, SC

About Dorchester Habitat for Humanity

Founded in 1993, Dorchester Habitat for Humanity's mission is Putting God's Love Into Action by Bringing People Together Building Homes & Hope. Through affordable homeownership, financial education, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships, the organization has partnered with 80 local families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.