Dock

“I try to treat people like the way I want to be treated.”

This is how Dock describes his character, which was heavily shaped by his mother. Born and raised in a religious Anderson, South Carolina, home, Dock holds the values his mother instilled in him very near and dear to his heart. That’s why hanging up her picture is at the top of his to-do list when he moves into his new Habitat home.

Dock grew up in an apartment on the west side of town. He remembers how, when he was a child, his mother would urge him to take the long way to the grocery store to avoid the criminal activity that gave his neighborhood a bad reputation. But he also remembers being able to just be a kid, running and playing in the woods.

After high school, Dock’s love for the outdoors and adventure led him to join the United States Marine Corps. In the specialized infantry, he traveled and learned life skills like discipline and hard work. He enjoyed seeing the world and found camaraderie among his fellow Marines. Dock reflects on that time as both challenging and rewarding.

When his first term of military service ended, Dock went to work in a textile plant and later became his mother’s caregiver as she struggled with Alzheimer's. Dock stayed by her side until she passed away a few years ago.

Now close to retirement age, Dock is tired of living in apartment complexes with high crime and disrespectful neighbors. He has wanted to plant his own roots for a long time. That opportunity came when he attended a meeting about Habitat’s homeownership program, but Dock almost missed it.

“I thought I was too old,” he said, believing the program was only for young people with children. When Habitat staff assured him Habitat is for everyone and encouraged him to apply, he did. Much to his surprise, he received his acceptance letter a few weeks later.

“I was so stunned and amazed by it,” Dock said. “I had to read it three times to make sure I was reading it right.”

At that moment, he said, it hit home that Habitat truly strives to make the dream of homeownership a reality for everyone. He has this advice for others who may not think Habitat is for them: “A lot of times we get that doubt in our minds that says, ‘well it’ll never happen to me.’ If you don’t try, you’re not going to achieve it anyway. Don’t let doubt mess up your dreams.”

Dock is excited to finally have a place to call home. Like his experience in the military, Habitat has been challenging and rewarding, and Dock has found camaraderie with the volunteers and other future homeowners he’s worked alongside. He is thankful for all of Habitat’s supporters. Without such a strong community, he said, his dreams would not have been possible.

If his mom were still here, she’d be grateful, too, Dock said. “And she’d be so proud of me.”

To hear Dock tell his story, you can watch his video interview here. If learning about Dock has inspired you to donate, you can do so through our give page. Dock’s build is our 2022 Executive Build, sponsored by nearly 20 area companies. Learn more and see our sponsors at www.habitatanderson.org/executivebuild.

Thank you to all who support Habitat’s mission. You help people like Dock achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.