ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Edisto Habitat for Humanity on Wednesday hosted a home dedication ceremony for Latisha Kitt and her family.
“It is something to call our own, it's comfort, it’s peace of mind," Kitt said. "We’ve been through a lot, you know, and just to have somewhere to call home to call ours, it’s a blessing in itself and I thank God for all of it because he has been with me through it all.”
Jessica Burgoyne is the executive director of Edisto Habitat for Humanity. She says this is a necessity.
“Housing is a silver bullet. It is absolutely everything to a community,” said Burgoyne. “Stable housing, affordable housing opportunities absolutely keep the community turning and we have a lot of support.”
Kitt lives in Orangeburg with her two daughters and says she looks forward to making memories.
“Am I going to put this little tick marks as they grow? Get a chart or something to show them this is where you were this year, and so we’re excited," Kitt said. "It means everything to them to come and say this is my room, this is my room.”
Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter says this home will provide the Kitt family with opportunities.
“It’s an opportunity for this family to accumulate wealth. Housing is something that is truly needed. We don’t have in Orangeburg County a lot of affordable housing stock, and so Habitat for Humanity and what the Edisto Chapter is doing is without question very needed.”
Cobb-Hunter says homeownership has many benefits.
“You know, there are so many intangibles that go along with home ownership. Kids have their own room, they know they have a place to stay, they have a home. There’s so much benefit in home ownership.”
Edisto Habitat for Humanity will start construction on their 98th home in September in Orangeburg County.