Did you know that Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), located in Americus, Ga., is the largest nonprofit homebuilder in the world today? President Bill Clinton was quoted as saying that HFHI is the most successful continuous community service project in the history of the United States and has revolutionized the lives of thousands.More than 300,000 homes have been built worldwide since HFHI began more than 35 years ago.
Macon County Habit for Humanity, our local affiliate, carries out that mission as a nonprofit ecumenical housing ministry, seeking to eliminate substandard housing. In 2012, we merged with Jackson County Habitat to serve regional housing needs. Habitat provides a hand-up, not a hand-out, and is unique for many reasons.
Building more than shelter
First, the criteria for selecting homeowners are based solely on three principles: the family’s need for adequate shelter, the ability to repay a mortgage, and the willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. Families are also required to invest 50 “good faith” hours prior to groundbreaking and 450 hours of “sweat equity” into the construction of their home or other partner family homes in progress; or, they can volunteer in the Habitat Resale Store.
In addition, families are encouraged to attend informational sessions to learn how to budget and how to maintain their home, enabling them to become self-sufficient and self-empowered.
Houses are sold at no profit to partner families and financed with a zero-interest loan. House payments go into a revolving fund for Habitat, which is used to build more homes. Construction costs are kept low through donations from individuals, corporations, churches, and foundations, and through the use of volunteer labor.
Habitat complies with the minimum standards contained in the Standards of Excellence established by its international body and follows all local building codes.
A record of accomplishment
Since being incorporated in October 1993, Habitat volunteers have completed and dedicated 16 homes in Franklin and four homes in Highlands.
In 2005 and 2006, Habitat Macon partnered with people in Biloxi, Miss., to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. In 2007, we started our repair program, building wheelchair ramps and conducting minor home repairs. We have also helped other nonprofits with repairs, such as REACH, the Pregnancy Center, and Appalachian Animal Rescue. For example, we supported CareNet by building the warehouse in the back of their office space.
Again in 2017, we stepped outside the box and gave support to 10 families in Sebring, Fla., and 10 families in Beaumont, Texas, after Hurricane Irma. We even gave Christmas trees fully decorated and gifts to family members who had lost so much in the storm. Habitat Macon/Jackson delivered it all.
Seeking builders to join vision of world without shacks
Our local chapter has various opportunities to help us follow in the footsteps of the late President Jimmy Carter, one of Habitat’s most famous volunteers. We are currently in need of three to four new board members, construction volunteers, and volunteers for the ReStore.
Donations are always welcome, including cash, land, building materials, other in-kind gifts, and items for re-sale. We also welcome labor on construction of new homes being built or repaired for families in our community.
Be on the lookout for the announcement of our always popular Annual Smoky Mountain Shrimp Boil fundraising dinner.
Find out more ways you can be involved by contacting Habitat for Humanity Macon County/Jackson County via phone at (828)369-3716, or email at [email protected]. Learn more online at www.maconcountyhabitat.org.