The House That DJJ Built

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — A Midlands mom goes from tenant to homeowner, thanks to Habitat for Humanity and the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. Dozens came out to witness Gretta Jackson get a look at her new Habitat for Humanity house. The house joins more than 50 other Habitat homes on Rockview Drive in Columbia. The structure was framed and mostly constructed by youth offenders housed at the Department of Juvenile Justice. Arrangements were even made last year to lift the house over the the razor wire fence on DJJ’s campus before it was transported to the current address. Former offenders, still under DJJ’s supervision, finished up construction and added finishing touches. Jackson says her new address is a much needed change for her and her wheelchair-bound son. She plans to relocate by the end of the month. Officials say the project also lays a foundation of public service for young people trying to turn their lives around.