(l to r) Star Callaway, Aaron Brown, JoAnn Kelly, Mayor Myers, Larry Hargett, Karen Alexander, Mike Murphree, Dennis Ashley, Richard Cushman.


Mayor Myers and Karen Alexander, DHH Board President


Lisa Ladson thanks God and Habitat for Humanity for fulfilling the vision she and her family have of safe, secure housing

The bright blue ribbon was cut at the new Dorchester Habitat for Humanity (DHH) ReStore in Jedburg recently, officially opening the 20,000 sq ft ReStore and 3,000 sq ft Information Center. "In our 15th year of operation, this is an amazing event to celebrate, one that looks to the future of being able to build more houses for those in need of decent shelter," states DHH Director, Star Callaway.

Located at the corner of Mallard and Greyback Roads (one block from the Jedburg traffic light on Hwy 78), the facility took nine months to build, and it was completed under budget and ahead of schedule. Doors opened to shoppers on July 15 even as Habitat volunteers feverishly unloaded brand new Mullins cabinets, tested appliances and electronics, polished crystal, and priced items in anticipation of the Grand Opening celebration.

The star of the show was Lisa Ladson, wife and mother of the next homeowner family. She brought the crowd to tears and laughter with her heartfelt words of gratitude to God and to Habitat. "When we went on the home visit," remembers Peggy Bangle, DHH Board secretary, "the Ladsons had a poster on the wall of their dream house." Ms. Ladson explained, quoting a Bible verse in the book of Habakuk, "Write the vision and make it plain." They had a vision, put it on the wall and despite storms that came and went, such as several deaths in the family, they stood firm and trusted that the house would come through eventually. At this writing, the walls and trusses have been raised at 23 Craig Court in Summerville.

To close the ceremony, 150 people joined hands with the Ladsons, Karen Alexander, DHH Board President, Dennis Ashley, architect on the ReStore project, Mayor Berlin G. Myers, Larry Hargett, Mike Murphree and Aaron Brown to bless the building.

Callaway explains a bit of store history. "Fifteen years ago come October, DHH was formed by Buddy Craig and Richard Cushman along with other folks concerned about inadequate housing in our county. In 2002, Lauree Bradway pushed to open a Habitat Homestore on Trolley Road and found a willing landlord in Robert Pratt." Sales from the store put the affiliate on a strong footing to hire more staff, and the ability to build more houses went up from there. Last year the affiliate housed six needy families.

"We are at a crucial growth juncture, and the new ReStore is an investment in the future," states Callaway. "There is a lot of need out there, and where the old store was too small, had limited parking and no heating or air conditioning, the new facility promises to give us the capacity to raise more funds for putting many more families each year into safe, decent homes."

To donate goods to the ReStore, please call 871-1159 for pickups or drop off Tuesday through Friday, 9am to 2pm. Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9am to 4pm.