$4M Habitat for Humanity project puts 23 families in Conway homes they helped build

Terry Gregg has played venues all around Horry County with his traveling DJ business, but Saturday was the first time he ever did it from his own front yard.

“Honestly, it’s a blessing. Renting is one thing but ownership, that’s a complete different ballgame. There’s nothing like having your own house, you know? Your own land,” the 38-year-old said while celebrating a dedication for Hope’s Crossing, one of the biggest projects ever carried out by Habitat for Humanity of Horry County.

Over the last decade, more than $4 million worth of donations and 38,000 volunteer hours helped power construction of 23 homes in the Conway neighborhood — all with no interest mortgages for their owners.

“It’s amazing to look around and see homeowners that have really taken ownership of their community, and also just to see how many partners came together over the past decade to make this happen,” Habitat executive director Meagan Michal said.

Since its inception in 1990, Habitat for Humanity of Horry County has served 155 families.

Its home ownership program carries strict requirements, including caps on gross annual income and requiring each member to put at least 300 hours of sweat equity into their own home.

A walk through the quiet neighborhood just off S.C. Highway 905 reveals manicured lawns, mailboxes displaying the last names of families and dogs chasing lawn toys.

But unlike those snapshots of domestic tranquility that happen in almost any Horry County subdivision, those living in Hope’s Crossing actually built the homes they’d eventually purchase.

“I’ve been to a lot of home dedications, and I know that sometimes it’s a little overwhelming for folks after the journey they’ve been on,” Habitat board member Vic Levy said. “Everyone’s life is changed by being part of Habitat.”

Gregg and his wife moved into their home a week before Christmas 2021 and watched Hope’s Crossing evolve around them.

“This neighborhood is really nice, really quiet. It’s a feel good, fun, safe place,” he said. “I just like to get up and sit on the porch. Just enjoying the little things in life.”

This story was originally published October 21, 2023 at 1:21 PM.