Building a community, one house at a time

The Newnan-Coweta Habitat for Humanity has come a long way since its founding in 1994. Today the local organization is in the process of building its 31st home for a needy family.

Located in Senoia, the home will belong to George Amey, who has lived on the same spot for 40 years. He looks after a granddaughter who is disabled, so a wheelchair ramp is included in the plans.

The Peachtree City United Methodist Church is sponsoring this house, and Chuck Ogletree is the member overseeing the two-week blitz build.

“We support the principle of Habitat,” he said. “‘Building houses in partnership with God's people in need.’ We believe that says it all.”

Habitat Executive Director Leslie Merriman said they use volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money, materials and land, and build the houses in partnership with the future homeowner families.

“We have a waiting list of 120 families who want to try and qualify at the next orientation in April,” she said. “About 40 percent of those will actually be able to meet the requirements to qualify. Habitat's philosophy is to provide a 'hand up' rather than 'hand out'.”

Each prospective home owner must work to earn "sweat equity" credits, save up cash for an initial down payment, roughly $800, and then pay for their home over a 20 year period. The payments are non-interest bearing and help pay for future homes. The long-term debit/income ratio is 35 to 40 percent.

Merriman also oversees 10 volunteer committees, such as Family Selection, Development/Fund Raising, Site Selection, Marketing/Promotions and Church Relations among others.

“If you don't feel you can climb ladders or have the strength to swing hammers, we invite you to serve on one of our committees,” she added.

Sharon Hazel is the ReStore manager. This facility was instituted by the Newnan-Coweta Habitat to restore, renovate and recycle resources within its community.

Through the resale of new and used donated goods, it is able to raise some of the funds needed to build houses. The store has a positive impact on both the community and the environment by offering unbeatable consumer value and diverting many items from unnecessarily filling up landfills.

Companies large and small, builders and individuals are welcome to donate furniture, sinks and cabinets left over from remodeling, high quality pre-owned appliances and other items. The store does not accept clothing, however.

“The ReStore is another volunteer opportunity,” said Hazel. “You can help us by cashiering, helping with the merchandise displays, stocking shelves, etcetera.”

Store hours are Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For those looking for an immediate opportunity to help out, a fund-raising event will be taking place on Saturday, March 15. This event, being held at The Heritage School, will allow you to help raise funds for an upcoming “Youth Build.” Take-out barbeque and a silent auction begin at noon, along with music and activities for young and old. Tickets for the barbeque are $8 for adults and $4 for children age 12 and under.

Always dreamed of a playhouse in your backyard? An opportunity to buy a ticket for one to be built on your site will also be offered that day. Tickets are $20 each or three for $50. Two playhouses will be raffled that afternoon at 6 p.m.

A high school "Battle of the Bands" will also entertain from 2 to 7 p.m.

When the financial goal of a minimum of at least $25,000 is reached, students from the county's public, private and Christian schools will help with the building of Habitat's 32nd house. The administration offices of all these schools have pledged their support of the students.

More information can be found and tickets can be purchased online at www.nchfh.org. To speak with someone by phone, call 770-252-9049.

The offices and the ReStore are located at 1082 Ga. Highway 16 East in Newnan.

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