Habitat for Humanity plans its next home project in Greene

By Bill Martin, Vice Chair, Habitat for Humanity/Greene
Published: August 28, 2008

“Building homes and building hope” is more than simply a slogan for the Greene County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity.  It is the reason this dedicated group of volunteers exists - to build affordable housing for families hoping to participate in the American dream.
At the August meeting of the Steering Committee of the Greene County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, the leadership was unanimous in its decision to move forward with plans to build its third home in the County.
The Committee decided to pay costs related to resolving a series of title issues on a property slated for the next project, to begin in 2009.  It will now dedicate itself to recruiting volunteers and raising the significant amount of funds required to make this home a reality for a Greene County family that has already been targeted to be new homeowners.
Having built two homes to date (the last one completed in 2007), the Steering Committee has dedicated itself to providing one home per year to an eligible family.  To that end, the Committee has reorganized itself and hired a part-time Director.  Monthly meetings serve as strategic planning, brainstorming, and organizational sessions for this group that wants to contribute to an affordable housing stock in a still-pricey real estate market.
Plans for the next year include breaking ground on the next house in early 2009, reinforcing the volunteer base, developing an annual public event associated with Habitat’s cause, constructing a storage shed, advancing plans for fundraising to be directed at businesses, faith-based groups and other voluntary and non-governmental bodies, and partnering when possible with varying government entities, including the County of Greene.
Habitat for Humanity is a voluntary organization that works at the local and international levels to provide affordable housing for families that are priced out of the real estate market.  Habitat volunteers work side-by-side with partner families to plan and construct high quality, affordable housing.  Habitat houses are sold to partner families at cost with a no-interest mortgage.  Monthly mortgage payments are channeled back into Habitat for future home construction projects.
Leadership for Greene’s Habitat Chapter is provided by Jonathan Hensley, Steering Committee Chairman.  The Chapter’s Director is Jerry Besanson, a new resident of Greene County who rolled up his sleeves to contribute to the community as soon as he moved here last year.  Many other volunteers are contributing time and energy to this worthy effort, including local churches, schools and businesses, some of whom are discussing the possibility of sponsoring or co-sponsoring a Habitat home.
There are many ways that Greene County residents can support Habitat.  Volunteers are still required to sit on various subcommittees of the Steering Committee.  Cash donations of any size will go toward home construction.  Church-sponsored events are a fine way to both raise funds and awareness of the Habitat program.  Some organizations may choose to co-sponsor the construction of a home.  Donations of land are welcomed contributions.  For instance, a developer’s contribution of one or more lots is a creative way to contribute to the well-being of the community.  Requests for information in this regard can be directed to Bill Martin, Vice Chair and Chairman of the Resource Development Committee (434-996-3726).
And, of course, Volunteers who can lift a hammer, a saw or a broom will be required once construction starts!  Stay tuned for when the construction begins!
The Steering Committee would like to express profound gratitude to all groups and individuals who have contributed to Habitat’s efforts to date.
They know who they are and Habitat/Greene will recognize each group in an upcoming public notice.  Their contributions are deeply and very sincerely appreciated.
For more information on Habitat for Humanity in Greene County, please visit http://www.greenehabitat.org or write .