Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

Habitat for Humanity

In 2004, Janette Ford's mother's day was a little brighter than most. That weekend she moved into her new home in Brendan Woods, a Habitat for Humanity community. She celebrated her day with three other families, all single women raising their children or grandchildren. Janette spent more than 300 hours working on her home during construction. -'sweet equity' as it's well-named by Habitat. A lovely three bedroom, pale yellow home with large front porch was the end result. For luck, there is a penny heads-up on the front stoop and inside, a framed prayer that was read at the dedication hangs prominently. When asked what her favorite part of the experience was - without hesitation Janette says "moving in!" Her grandchildren Derik and Shaykila echo that sentiment, although Derik, 15, enjoyed the process of building alongside the volunteers just as well. And Shaykila is working to decorate her bedroom to her taste - that of a teenager. It took more than 200 volunteers 12 weeks to build her home. It was built mainly by volunteers from Long Cove, a community on Hilton Head Island. And with some added assistance from her brother-in-law who made the trip down from Charleston to pitch in. "My home is beautiful," said Janette, "I never want to leave."