Youth at DJJ to Build Habitat for Humanity Houses

In a couple of weeks, youth incarcerated at the will start building houses for families in need. 

DJJ is partnering with Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity to give youth at DJJ a hands-on experience and families in need a new home.

The youth will frame up houses inside the complex on Broad River Road. Once the house is framed, it will be moved to a permanent site. Youth under DJJ supervision will then work at the permanent site to help with interior trim, painting, landscaping and other finishing touches.  

Coordinators of the project — called "The House that DJJ Built" — hope the youth will gain construction skills and learn the value of teamwork.  

This project is part of DJJ's larger initiative called "Behind the Fence" that involves the youth in volunteer projects for different causes such as breast cancer and wounded warriors, said Loretta Neal, director of public affairs for DJJ. 

"What we've done at DJJ is to create a sense of community behind the fence," Neal said.

It's all part of the process of rehabilitating the youth and preparing them to re-enter society, Neal said. 

Volunteers from the community will also be working with the youth during the building process.  

Building will begin after DJJ and Habitat for Humanity sign a Memorandum of Agreement at 10 a.m. on Oct. 18 in the Bill Rogers Community Connections Center at the facility on Broad River Road.

The first house is scheduled to be moved to its permanent site by December and completed for a spring dedication.

Want to help? 

If you would like to volunteer, contact Stacy Atkinson, DJJ's "Behind the Fence" Coordinator, at 803-896-9066 or e-mail her at sfatki@scdjj.net. 

Habitat for Humanity is asking for donations to cover the cost of building supplies and equipment. To donate, contact Roy Kramer, executive director of Central Carolina Habitat for Humanity, at 803-252-3570, ext. 2109.