Habitat for Humanity recently handed over the keys to a fully remodeled home in North Charleston to Leslie Kleckley, who described it as “the biggest Christmas gift I could ask for.” After waiting since 2019 and sharing cramped spaces with her children, Kleckley and her family now have a home to call their own.
Dozens of volunteers contributed to the renovation, including College of Charleston students enrolled in a new Service Learning and Affordable Housing course. These students gained hands-on experience renovating the house, working on everything from the driveway to the interior structure while also studying affordable housing issues in the Lowcountry.
Student Lauren Durr shared that the experience taught her the value of hard work and was a surprise since she never expected to work on a construction site.
At the home’s dedication, Kleckley expressed her joy, highlighting how much the home had transformed. Habitat for Humanity also provided basic essentials and gifted the family a real Christmas tree, adding an unexpected and heartfelt touch to the occasion. Community members, volunteers, and student participants gathered to celebrate Kleckley receiving her new keys and stepping inside her home for the first time.
