Delta volunteers tackle not 1 but 4 Habitat houses

Hundreds of Delta Air Lines employees traded in their uniforms and wings for overalls and hammers, at least for a day, to provide several Atlanta-area families with new places to live.

Monday, Delta joined forces with Habitat for Humanity of South Fulton County to build four new houses in Fairburn. This is the first time an Atlanta-based company has partnered with Habitat for Humanity South Fulton to build four houses at one time.

"We're extremely excited about this project," said Michael Young, vice president of community affairs for Delta Air Lines. "Habitat for Humanity is an outstanding organization doing incredible work. We've partnered with them before to build houses across the country, but to be able to do this in our own backyard is especially gratifying."

The Fairburn project is a company-wide effort on Delta's part, with pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, gate agents, and executives lending their time and effort to the cause. Delta expected more than 1,000 employees to participate. The Delta Pilot Wives Club also will be at the work site to provide lunches for the volunteers.

Most of the construction on the houses is to be completed within two weeks of the start date, thanks to the expert know-how and professionalism brought to this project from Delta's Technical Operations Center. Several weeks of additional work will then be done to apply the finishing touches.

"I'm excited about how well our employees have responded to the opportunity to support the community that has always supported Delta," said Udo Rieder, vice president, engineering and planning.

The families are scheduled to move into the homes around Christmas. Each house will be 1,200 square feet, with each recipient family choosing the specifics of the design and construction of their house.

"Habitat for Humanity and our recipient families are very grateful for Delta's continued support," said Gary Welden, president of the organization.

"Because of Delta's efforts, four needy families will have new homes in time for the holidays."

The four houses will be on Aderhold Street in Fairburn. Last year, a group of Delta pilots and flight operations support team personnel, under the direction of senior Vice President of Flight Operations Dave Bushy, partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build a house in the same area of Fairburn.

"We have enjoyed working as a team toward this remarkable cause," said Bushy. "But the most rewarding part of our involvement last year was the opportunity to work alongside the family that ultimately moved into the house in Fairburn. Our lives were enriched by the experience and we're looking forward to participating in the program again this year."

Funding to build the houses is being provided by contributions from Delta and its employees. In 1999, corporate and employee contributions to a number of organizations totaled more than $5 million.

Under the direction of Young, Delta's community involvement will focus its role as a charitable leader in the areas of youth wellness and youth leadership development.

Delta published its first-ever community involvement annual report, showcasing many of the projects and activities the firm is involved in.

"Delta is working harder than ever to become a leader in the community and make a difference in Atlanta. By concentrating our giving program on youth wellness and youth leadership development, an area that no other corporation in Atlanta is focusing their resources, we think we can make a real impact in the communities we serve," said Young.

Habitat for Humanity of South Fulton County is a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with business, churches, civic organizations, employee groups and individuals to build decent, affordable housing for the responsible, working poor. Incorporated in 1996, the organization has built seven houses.

The houses are sold to homeowner partners at no profit and with no-interest 20-year mortgages.

In addition, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own "sweat equity" into building their homes.