GOOSE CREEK, S.C. – Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County celebrated a major milestone Wednesday, breaking ground on its new Berkeley Habitat Mission Center, a project leaders say will expand affordable housing efforts and set the stage for future growth in the area.
The ceremony, held at 108 Red Bank Road in Goose Creek, brought together community leaders, nonprofit partners, volunteers and Habitat families to celebrate the start of construction on what will become a central hub for the organization’s operations and outreach.
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The new Mission Center will house Habitat’s administrative offices and the Berkeley Habitat ReStore — a retail space that sells donated furniture, home goods and building materials to fund affordable housing projects.
“This project reflects our deep commitment to serving as a strong anchor in Berkeley County and leading the way in affordable housing,” said George Druyos, president and CEO. “By increasing our visibility and enhancing the ReStore experience, this new facility will allow us to serve more families and expand our impact for years to come.”
Druyos also emphasized the organization’s broader purpose, noting the Mission Center represents a renewed focus on Habitat’s roots.
“We wanted to represent the fact that we are a mission,” he said. “Our initial part of that mission is to spread the love of Jesus Christ, and our calling is through affordable housing.”
Growth in Moncks Corner, expansion ahead in Goose Creek
The groundbreaking comes as Habitat nears another milestone in Moncks Corner — the completion of its 50th home built in the town over nearly 36 years of service.
“It’ll culminate our work in this community,” Druyos recently said. “And then we’ll be ready to move on to Goose Creek. We’ve got nine lots prepared in the Paslay Drive area.”
That expansion into Goose Creek has been years in the making, according to Mayor Greg Habib.
“When I became mayor in 2018, we began a process of taking nine of our lots back here in West Greenview and making them Habitat homes,” Habib said. “It always struck me that Habitat was headquartered in Goose Creek but hadn’t built a house here.”
Habib noted that progress on those homesites has taken time, underscoring the complexity of affordable housing development.
“That was eight years ago, and they’ll start next year,” he said. “Nothing happens overnight. Everything takes effort, energy, perseverance and diligence.”
He added that the Mission Center and future housing projects represent a significant investment in the Redbank Road corridor and surrounding neighborhoods.
“We’ve been very intentional about bringing investment here,” Habib said. “This is about creating a destination district and giving residents more opportunities close to home.”
County support and community impact
Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb praised Habitat’s work and the impact it has on families across Berkeley County.
“The pride and dignity of ownership, I’ve seen it firsthand,” Cribb said. “We’re proud and honored to be a part of it and have all the confidence in the world that Habitat will use those resources wisely.”
Cribb noted the county has contributed significant funding over the years, including more than $1 million recently toward home renovations, along with additional community development grants.
A mission centered on people
One of the most meaningful moments of Wednesday’s ceremony came as Habitat partner families were recognized, symbolically “firming the foundation” of the new Mission Center — a reminder that the project is ultimately about the people it serves.
The facility is being developed with the support of multiple engineering and construction partners and is expected to strengthen Habitat’s ability to coordinate volunteers, expand programming and serve more families throughout the county.
As construction begins, leaders say the Mission Center, which is anticipated to open in Jan. 2027, is more than just a building, it’s a launching point for the next chapter of affordable housing in Berkeley County.
“This is an investment in families, volunteers and the future of our community,” organizers said.
