DeKalb County residents can help make home ownership a reality for a local family with donations to the second Habitat for Humanity Radiothon Fundraiser on WJLE Friday, June 15th from 9 until 12.
Monies raised will be applied toward lot purchase, materials and construction of the second Habitat home on Adams St. in Smithville. “Our goal is to begin construction of a three-bedroom house later this summer,” says Nolan Turner, president of the local Habitat chapter. “In 2005, we raised over $25,000, and we hope to exceed that this year.”
The home will be built for Felicia Gibbs, a divorced single mother, and her children Dasia, 4, and Trystan Seth, 9 months old. Felicia grew up in Alexandria, attended DeKalb West Elementary School, and graduated from DeKalb County High School in 2001. She has been working since she was 15 and is raising her children on her own. They currently reside in Smithville where she is employed by Bumper’s Drive-In Restaurant.
“Felicia and her children have all the qualities we look for in partner families. She is cooperative, humble and eager to work,” says Turner. “I hope everyone who shares our commitment to help those who are less fortunate will support our efforts by contributing to this fundraiser.”
The Gibbs family met criteria used by Habitat to identify the best candidates for successful home ownership: demonstration of need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat. Recipients of Habitat-built homes must make a downpayment and put in hours of “sweat equity” before construction can begin. After the house is built, they assume a 20-year interest-free mortgage for the purchase price, based solely on the price of materials and related services. These costs are projected to be in the $40,000 to $45,000 range, with monthly payments ranging between $200 and $300.
Gibbs says this opportunity represents “a dream come true. This is the kind of blessing I’ve prayed for…I am so grateful, excited and eager to get started.”
“Knowing I will own a home provides a feeling of security for me and my children,” she adds. “When I signed the agreement, I felt I was signing for the beginning of my life. I am so thankful to Habitat, everyone who will help make this dream come true and to God. He has been so good to me and my family.”
Radio listeners can phone in a pledge and challenge other members of the community to make a donation by calling 597-4265, 215-5316 and 215-5317 during the Friday morning event. Donations of any amount will be appreciated.
For information on making a pledge or donation, please contact these officers of the Habitat Board of Directors: Nolan Turner, president; Tecia Pryor, vice president and chairperson of the Development Committee, 597-7370; Nancy Lewis, secretary; or Glenda Davis, treasurer. You may also leave a message on the Habitat voicemail at 215-8181 and a board member will return your call.
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