Habitat Home May be Finished by Christmas

Two months after ground breaking the fourth Habitat for Humanity home in DeKalb County is under roof and could completed by Christmas.
The house is located on Hayes Street in Smithville and upon completion will become home to the Habitat partner family, Melba Vinca and her grandchildren Bradley Mullican, Cayton Lance, and Justin Lance.
“A lot of progress has been made, “said Larry Green, Vice President of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County. “We have had a lot of good volunteers who have come out and done a lot of work on it so we’re coming along. We’re hoping to have (partner) family in the home by Christmas. We’ve had a professional crew that’s come in and done the framing. We had professionals to do the blocks and the wiring. We’ve got guys out here doing the siding. That’s what they do for a living. They can do it so much faster than we can and that’s really helped out. We’ve also had a lot of volunteers,” said Green.
“They’ve donated their time,” said local Habitat President Nolan Turner, referring to the professional crews. “Except for the block layers. Of course, that’s understandable. We had to pay them some but they discounted. Most of the materials we purchase are at a discount,” added Turner.
“This house has 1,050 square feet of living area inside,” said Turner. “Its got three bedrooms, a bathroom, living room, and kitchen combination. It has a half bath and closet space. Each house we build is based on the number in the family. Every family we have served has had two or three children. So all of our houses have basically been the same square footage,” said Turner.
Green said Habitat is in search of more volunteers. “We’re getting to the point now where we can use a lot of volunteers. People don’t have to wait until they’re asked to come out and volunteer. They can come out just about on any Saturday and do some work out here,” said Green.
Turner said donations are also welcomed. “We’re going to take this one first and hope the funds come in for the second house because we already have another family who has already been approved (as partner family) if things work out financially for them by the end of the year. So we need funds for the next house. Anyone who wants to contribute, we would appreciate that,” said Turner.
“Another thing we’re looking for is land to build on,” said Green. “If you have a lot somewhere that you would like to donate to us or maybe give us a good price on it, we’re in the market now to buy another lot,” said Green
“It (land)doesn’t have to be in Smithville,” added Turner. ” We’re looking for lots in Dowelltown, Liberty, Alexandria or anywhere in the county. This is a county project not just a Smithville project,” he said
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates houses in partnership with volunteers and families in need, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. To contact Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, please call 215-8181.