Wednesday, October 9, 2002
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Wednesday, October 9, 2002 |
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Local ministry rebuilds hopes, dreams and homes one 'square foot' at a time By CAROLYN
CARY
The Fayette County area has its own little version of Habitat for Humanity but it does more than just build houses for the needy. The "Square Foot Ministry" (SFM), a nonprofit organization, is made up of members from a group of churches in Fayette and Coweta counties churches of all denominations and ethnic backgrounds who believe that " ... 99 percent of what is done for God, is done by doing for and toward others." Its text is taken from Matthew 25:40: "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." The ministry's first project is building a home on Church Street in Fayetteville. The old house was leveled two weeks ago, and the foundation was poured last week. On Saturday, the framing walls, framing roof, windows and doors were put in place. By today, the siding, sheet rock, porches, and landscaping will be in place. The composite of the organization is mainly Christian men and women who, while having experience in the Habitat for Humanity ministry, decided that there were other needs within Fayette County. These might include building a wheelchair ramp, doing some yard cleanup or painting the outside of a home, or funding repairs or improvements. The organization has a nonprofit status and all funds go for the good of the community. Much of the work and materials is donated. On the new home project, the note will be $150 a month. Nearly $40,000 will be invested in the project by Square Foot Ministry. A promotional brochure explains the process: "Square Foot Ministry will be raising funds within our collective churches, businesses and Community to rebuild a home for a family in dire need of a new home. SFM will in turn hold a non-interest bearing note for the repayment of the raised capital needed to build the house. SFM will then use this repayment to fund repairs and improvements needed by others in the community. On this particular project, the note will be minimal and has been prearranged with the family." This year's project was brought to SFM from Edgefield Baptist Church. The construction period will be eight days, from start to finish, and no work will be done on Sunday. This particular project will cost approximately $45,000 in materials to build. All the money raised by SFM goes to the material of the project. None of the money raised is for administrative or overhead cost. Volunteers perform all of the work. Those interested in seeing the work of this ministry may stop by the home at 125 Church Street on Saturday, Oct. 13, where the last of the work needed landscaping, painting touch-ups, a punch list, and putting up the mail box will be taking place. SFM also encourages members of the community to become involved by donating their time, talents, wisdom or money. For information, call 770-227-9189.
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