Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity
Dedicates New Home to the Jones Family
FLORENCE, S.C. (June 23, 2026) – Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity (GFHFH) welcomed community leaders, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters on June 23 to celebrate the dedication of a new home for the Jones family at 418 West Sumter Street.
The dedication ceremony celebrated the power of partnership, perseverance, and community. GFHFH Executive Director Debbie Edwards welcomed guests and expressed her excitement for Darlisha Jones and her daughter, Harmony, as they begin a new chapter in their lives.
“Today is a celebration of hard work, determination, and hope,” Edwards said. “Harmony will look up to her mother for years to come because of the commitment and perseverance she demonstrated throughout this journey. This home represents the incredible things that can happen when a community comes together.”
Representatives from several sponsoring organizations shared words of encouragement and reaffirmed their commitment to Habitat for Humanity’s mission.
Eric Crowley of Assurant spoke about the company’s dedication to strengthening communities and recognized the many volunteers, partners, and sponsors who made the home possible. He noted that the day’s celebration was a reminder of what can be accomplished when a community works together and offered his blessings to the Jones family as they begin life in their new home.
Bradley Callicott of the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation expressed the foundation’s pride in supporting Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity’s mission. He emphasized that this was not the foundation’s first partnership with Habitat, nor would it be the last, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to helping local families achieve homeownership. He was proud of the success for the organization along with excited to watch the new partner family grow in their new home.
Representing First Citizens Bank, Jammie McDonald described the dedication as a remarkable milestone for the Jones family. McDonald noted that a home represents family, stability, and love, adding that First Citizens Bank is proud to support Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity because it shares the belief that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.
Florence Mayor Lethonia Barnes reflected on the importance of affordable housing partnerships within the community. She explained that the City of Florence donates the land and works with community partners such as Habitat for Humanity to make homeownership opportunities possible.
“When people drive by this house, they will see more than a home—they will see hope in action,” Barnes said. “This home is a visible reminder that our community is filled with leaders, volunteers, churches, businesses, and partners who are committed to lifting others up rather than leaving them behind.” She praised Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity, adding, “When folks are looking for a reason to believe, here comes Habitat for Humanity.”
GFHFH Board Member Jason Newton also addressed attendees, describing the occasion as an honor and celebrating the Jones family’s new beginning.
“We like to give a hand up, not a handout,” Newton said. “Habitat’s partnership with our homeowners helps create stability, opportunity, and a stronger future for families.”
Board Member Robbie Timms offered a special blessing over the home and family. Having walked alongside Darlisha throughout the homeownership process, Timms expressed his excitement for the family and thanked everyone who contributed to making the project a success.
Board Member Brooke Knotts presented the Jones family with a Bible, explaining that the Family Services Committee carefully evaluates applicants through a thorough selection process to identify families with the greatest need and commitment to Habitat’s program. She welcomed the family into their new home and presented the Bible as a symbol of God’s faithfulness. Knotts also shared Jeremiah 29:11, saying the verse reminded her of Darlisha and Harmony:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
The ceremony’s most heartfelt remarks came from new homeowner Darlisha Jones, who will share the home with her daughter, Harmony.
“Thank you to Habitat and the Board members for hearing my story and believing in my work ethic,” Jones said. “Kristin Johnson was my first point of contact, and over time she became a friend. Then the Family Services Committee and Board members became like family to me. I never thought something like this could really happen, but I never gave up. I am so thankful and so blessed to have received this incredible opportunity.”
Jones shared that she had been pursuing the dream of homeownership through Habitat since 2016.
Following the remarks, the celebration continued with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the presentation of the keys to Darlisha and Harmony. Guests were then invited inside the home, where Board Member Chris Handley led a prayer of blessing. Family, friends, volunteers, and supporters gathered around the Jones family, praying for their health, stability, success, and future as they begin this new chapter.
Community Support and Partnerships
This home was made possible through the generous support of community sponsors and partners. The primary sponsor was the Drs Bruce and Lee Foundation. Along with other community sponsors; Assurant, City of Florence and First Citizens Bank
Additional in-kind support was provided by Forget Me Not Garden Club, Budget Blinds, Lowe’s, Sherwin-Williams, Tallon Temple, Dargan Turf Farm, First Bank, Genesis Landscaping, and Whirlpool.
Refreshments during the home dedication were generously sponsored by First Bank.
Construction of the home was led by GFHFH Project Site Managers Teddy Dowling and Trevis Cooper, with invaluable assistance from dedicated volunteers. The Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors was also recognized for its continued leadership and commitment to expanding affordable homeownership opportunities throughout the community.
“This Habitat home was built through the love and support of our community,” Edwards said. “It represents not only a safe place for the Jones family to live, but also the incredible impact that is possible when people come together for a greater purpose.”
About Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity
Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity partners with families, volunteers, donors, and community organizations to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. By bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope, Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity continues to make a lasting impact throughout the Florence area.
