Survey: No. of Cowetans living in substandard housing has increased

Saturday, January 14, 2012
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alt — Local Habitat for Humanity homeowner Trista Howard says becoming the owner of a home “has empowered me to aim higher.”

From STAFF REPORTS news@newnan.com The economy has affected the quality of home life in Coweta County in ways obvious -- but also less visible. The listings of foreclosures have served as a reminder of those who have lost their homes, or been in danger of losing them, since the beginning of the economic downturn. There also are, however, problems that relate to prolonged economic hardship for people who rent or who live in homes they have difficulty repairing and maintaining.

A survey done in December "shows that the number of families living in substandard housing -- which often constitutes over 50 percent of their income-- has increased in Coweta County," said Terrisita Terry of Newnan-Coweta Habitat For Humanity. "Many homes are in need of critical repair and pose numerous health risks to families, as well as impact both community value and the overall housing market." During the past year, NCHFH "has launched new initiatives to reduce substandard housing" in the county, Terry said. "The community has responded positively to our programs to help decrease substandard housing and initiatives to raise awareness of its devastating impact," stated Leslie Merriman, NCHFH executive director. With the help of more than 600 volunteers NCHFH has built and renovated more than 50 homes. The non-profit organization also "provides critical home repairs for veterans, individuals with disabilities and other deserving families," Terry said. Despite the tough economy, which has impacted non-profits as well as businesses and families, NCHFH has managed to attract major funders and in-kind assistance from the Newnan-Coweta business community. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has been involved in an ongoing effort to help NCHFH build and improve homes in Coweta County for several years. A linchpin of the organization's fundraising is its annual "Helping Create Homes For The Holidays" event held recently at 15 Perry St. The theme of the event was that "everyone deserves a safe, decent, and affordable home to celebrate the joy and goodness of the holiday season," Terry said. Thrivent representatives attended and supported the event, as did several elected officials, veterans association members, area merchants and community advocates. The event featured an engaging testimonial from Habitat Homeowner Trista Howard. "Habitat has really made a difference in my life. When I turned the key to my new home, it was amazing. As my son and I celebrated our first Christmas in our new home, I realized how blessed we were to have found out about Newnan-Coweta Habitat For Humanity," she said. Howard said her Habitat experience "has empowered me to aim higher toward new goals I've set for myself and family." Dale Murphy, a former Atlanta Braves player and Hall of Fame nominee who at one time resided in Coweta County, helped with the "Helping Create Homes" fundraiser. He donated items for a silent auction that helped to raise money to support Habitat programming. "I fully support Newnan-Coweta Habitat For Humanity and its efforts to reduce substandard housing in the Newnan area," Murphy stated. Murphy has committed to activities with NCHFH in 2012 to help build further awareness of the housing needs of local low-income families. The main focus of Habitat for Humanity, an international program with which the local chapter is affiliated, is building homes for families who otherwise could not afford them. Families must complete "sweat equity" in working on their home. They purchase the home at market value but pay no interest. While the local affiliate built a number of houses early in its history, in the past few years NCHFH has often rehabilitated a foreclosed home -- making maximum use of its funds to provide the most and best homes for families at the least cost. While Habitat is a faith-based organization, it does not discriminate based on religion, race or gender. The local chapter was founded in 1994. Tax deductible donations may be sent to NCHFH, 150 Pine Road, Newnan, GA 30263. For information future sponsorship of the "Helping Create Homes" project, contact Terrisita Terry at 770 252-9049, extension 15, or via email at terry@nchfh.org.

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Survey: No. of Cowetans living in substandard housing has increased

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