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Published Friday, August 15, 2008 in Religion

Habitat approves 10 new homeowners

By News Staff

The Times-Herald

The Newnan-Coweta Habitat for Humanity has notified a record number of families -- 10 -- that their application for a Habitat home has been approved.

After an extensive application process and home site visit by volunteers on the family selection committee, under the leadership of Anne Bell, executive vice president at Bank of Coweta, the NCHFH Board of Directors approved the committee's recommendation of the 10 families. This represents the largest group of homeowners approved at one time by the Coweta Habitat since its founding in 1994.

"The need for decent, affordable housing in Coweta County has grown exponentially with the growth of the county as well as the current mortgage crisis," says Leslie Merriman, NCHFH executive director. "The Habitat Board understands clearly that the challenge to raise funds to build more homes in a down economy is not a small task, but they feel strongly that Habitat must remain aggressive and do everything possible to help the growing number of folks in need in our county."

In order to help accomplish its goals, Habitat is kicking off its annual campaign this month with a goal of raising $220,000. They are seeking church commitments at this time to participate with funding and volunteer support for this year's Apostle Build.

The high school youth involved -- with representatives from nearly all the public and private high schools in the county -- are working diligently toward their $50,000 goal to start building this fall. They are nearly halfway there.

Habitat is in collaborative discussions with several community, church, civic, private, city, county, state and federal entities to support and expand the potential options for providing decent, affordable housing.

Merriman emphasized that Habitat homes are not free. The homes are sold to future homeowners with a 20-year, no-interest loan. Because of the "sweat equity" hours each future homeowner is required to obtain, the average time span between acceptance into the program and moving into their home is typically 12-18 months.

"Unfortunately these are not typical times," said Edmund Rodriguez, volunteer, chairman of the local Habitat family support committee and an agent with Parks and Mottola. "These 10 families have been advised and are fully aware that their time span for moving into their own homes may be longer than normal due to the economic challenges today and the fact that Habitat must raise funds to secure land and purchase materials to build homes."

Rodriguez added, "Everyone is feeling the pinch, and Habitat is no exception. Many of the approved families are actively working themselves to help identify potential land opportunities and donations."

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.nchfh.org or call 770/252-9049. Contributions may be mailed to Newnan-Coweta Habitat for Humanity, 1082 Highway 16 E, Newnan, GA 30263.