Our History
Updated: Feb 13, 2020
Late 1960’s, early 1970’s
The Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions sends volunteers to Johns Island to repair homes, provide healthcare, work with migrant farm workers, etc.
In the mid-70’s they decide they want to have more of a presence on Johns Island, so they purchased a 10-acre tomato field on Bohicket Road.
1977
Habitat for Humanity International’s founder Millard Fuller visits Johns Island to interest volunteers in starting an affiliate.
Mennonites suggest using the 10-acre tomato field to start a Habitat affiliate on Johns Island.
November 1977
Several community leaders on Johns Island go to Americus, GA to learn more about Habitat for Humanity.
1978
Community leaders apply for affiliate status for Sea Island Habitat for Humanity.
SIHH becomes the 3rd Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the world!
1979
Volunteers raise $2,500 and start construction on the first Habitat home.
November 1981
5 homes under construction.
1985
13th home completed.
1987
Construction completed in Habitat Place (first neighborhood).
1988
First three homes built in Taylor Place – total of 24 homes.
1989
Hurricane Hugo hits the SC coast and causes much damage to the Sea Islands.
1990
Habitat hires Jim Ranck as the first “official” Executive Director, he was called Project Manager.
Habitat and The Johns Island Commission receive Trident Community Foundation Grant to build volunteer housing.
A storage barn is built to house building supplies.
1991
Three volunteer homes built on Bohicket Road in Taylor Place.
1993
Taylor Place and three volunteer homes dedicated. Neighborhood named in honor of Mr. Taylor, a simple, humble man who lived on the property until his death.
1996
First Golf Tournament Fundraiser.
Island Estates Subdivision begins – 34 homes
Our Lady of Mercy donates lots in Island Estates to be used for a volunteer Habitat home. 1997
First Executive Director, Jim Ranck, retires and stays on part-time for an additional six months during the transition to the new ED, Chuck Swenson.
Seabrook Residents sponsor and build their first Habitat home.
1998
“The House That Congress Built” Habitat home constructed by members of Congress, The Trident Tech Trades program and the Habitat Resale Store open.
Johns Island Resale Store funded & opens in memory of F.R. “Butch” Bush.
1999
SIHH begins Murrywood Place – a 30-home subdivision.
2000
First Habitat homeowner pays off their mortgage, and the Bishop Gadsden Retirement Home is the first retirement community to sponsor and build a Habitat home.
First Women Build project.
2001
Final home in Island Estates completed!
2002
SIHH starts phase one of Sea Island Place – a 70 home subdivision.
Final home in Murrywood completed!
2003
SIHH celebrates 25th year of building homes, and builds 25th home in honor of this very special anniversary!
Named U.S. Habitat for Humanity Rural Affiliate of the Year!
2005
Builds 22 homes and starting Final Phase of Sea Island Place – by year end 70 families called Sea Island Place home.
Named U.S. Habitat for Humanity Rural Affiliate of the Year!
2006
Named U.S. Habitat for Humanity Rural Affiliate of the Year!
Satellite Resale Store opens on Edisto Island.
2007
Logos officially changed for SIHH and our Resale Stores switched to ReStores.
Office moved from Taylor Place to new & bigger location, former Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
Construction began in our 5th neighborhood on Johns Island, Brownswood Place. When completed, it will house 53 families.
Second Executive Director, Chuck Swenson, retires and stays on part-time during the transition to the new ED, Andrew Beck.
First-ever Green Built Home.
2008
30th Anniversary of building homes, building hope! Set goal to build 30 homes, exceeded goal & actually built 33 homes.
For the first time, built two Women Build homes instead of one during the week leading up to Mothers Day.
Launched new website.
2009
Named Carolina Recycling Association’s “‘Green Building Project of the Year”.
3rd Executive Director, Andrew Beck, Retires and Greg Thoams becomes the new Executive Director.
2010
Completed 10th Women Build Project in May, 2010.
Has built a total of 275 homes since 1978.
Construction on Joeva Cove neighborhood in West Ashley begins.
Launched an owner-occupied weatherization and critical repair program to help more families in need.
2011
Completed 11th Women Build Project.
Construction completed on the sixth Habitat home in Joeva Cove.
We Work Side-By-Side
2012
Construction begins on James Island at Laurel Oak Grove. The development will be the future home for 22 deserving families.
4th Executive Director, Greg Thomas, retires and John Rhoden becomes the new Executive Director.
2013
Sea Island Habitat for Humanity celebrates 35 years & the completion of 300 homes!