Event raises awareness of charity’s work
Somewhere in DeKalb County, Georgia, a family will eventually move into a house built in front of the state capitol building.
But it won’t be in the same location.
This house owes its unusual journey to a special Habitat for Humanity event.
“To be there with all of the other volunteers from across the state is an experience that will be a memory for these students and myself,” Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Anita Hardy said. “That will never be taken away.”
On Tuesday, Feb. 3, Habitat for Humanity volunteers from chapters across the state joined together to build a house.
The delegation from Gilmer County included Gilmer High School (GHS) students from GHS construction class and audio, video, technology and film class; GHS teachers Robert Ferguson and BJ Chancey; Gilmer County Commissioner, Karleen Ferguson and Habitat for Humanity President and CEO Donna Lusk.
“I’m thankful to these high school students and their support,” Hardy said.
The construction students worked on building the house, while audio and visual arts students
The building had two purposes. The first was to provide a home for the family who would eventually own it.
The second was to remind Georgia legislators and leaders of Habitat for Humanity’s work.
“We’re all different from the Atlanta Metro area,” Hardy said of communities across the state. “So to bring that all together into one place for one day is pretty powerful.”
Decisions made by Georgia’s leaders on tax policy, rules, regulations and more can have tremendous impacts on nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity.
“We want to bring awareness to our representatives and senators,” Hardy said. “They impact policies that help keep our homes affordable.”
Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to build affordable houses for everyone.
In their program, families partner to build a home alongside Habitat for Humanity. Then, the families pay an affordable mortgage on the home.
While at the Capitol, Gilmer students and volunteers met Gilmer County’s state Representative Johnny Chastain, Gov. Brian Kemp and Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp.
“They had the opportunity to meet them, interview them and just chat and have conversations with them,” Hardy said.
Events like this one remind Habitat for Humanity volunteers of their shared mission.
Although the volunteers came from across Georgia, they were able to work together to build the house.
“We’re understanding what it means to give of oneself to help another,” Hardy said.