DJJ Hammers First Nail in Its Habitat for Humanity House

Community members gathered at the Department of Juvenile Justice Friday to kick off a project that will impact the lives of incarcerated youth at DJJ, a local family and the volunteers helping with the project. 

"The House That DJJ Built" is a program that will give incarcerated youth at DJJ the opportunity to build Habitat for Humanity houses. They'll work with volunteers to frame the house behind the fence at DJJ's Broad River Road facility. 

Volunteers, DJJ staff and Ms. Jackson, the future homeowner, hammered the first nail into the base of the house Friday at DJJ. 

Jackson and her 17-year-old son Baryn currently live in a 2-bedroom subsidized apartment with plumbing and structural problems. She expressed her gratitude to DJJ staff, Habitat for Humanity and the volunteers and youth at the First Nail ceremony Friday.

"I think this is a very great project that they're inviting the kids out here to do, and trying to give them some knowledge on building. It could open up a whole different world," Jackson said. "I just thank God for being here." 

When the framing is complete, the house will then be lifted over the fence and moved to its permanent location. DJJ youth under the supervision of staff will help put finishing touches on the home.

DJJ officials and Habitat for Humanity leaders . Incarcerated youth will start construction on the house early Monday morning.