The Habitat for Humanity (HFH) team that represents Gilmer and Fannin County is gearing up to do something that’s not been done since the early 2000s — building a Habitat home in Gilmer County.
The two-county HFH affiliate chapter recently secured a deed to land where a home build is expected to start this year and be followed by another one next year.
The two 1-acre lots that will be used to build the homes in the Roberts Ridge Road area were donated by Mitzi Miller, who grew up in Gilmer, said Karleen Ferguson, vice president of the Fannin-Gilmer County HFH board. The land was once owned by Miller’s uncle and aunt, Berley (“B.J.”) and Mary Douthit, and the community where the homes are to be built will be known as Douthit’s Ridge, she added.
“We are so appreciative of the property owner’s donation. She hopes this and other endeavors allow affordable housing to be built to serve the community,” said Ferguson.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to work with an organization that’s made such a huge impact in the lives of families in our community,” added attorney Laura Ray, who provides legal services to Fannin-Gilmer HFH. “The generous donation of Ms. Miller allows Habitat and its community partners to continue working to provide affordable housing while demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ, promoting dignity and hope and helping neighbors provide a better life for themselves and their families.”
At least seven Habitat homes have been built in Fannin County, but none have gone up in Gilmer since the one that was built shortly after the chapter formed in 2002. Before then, an HFH affiliate that also included Pickens coordinated projects for this area, noted Chris Hall, Fannin-Gilmer HFH executive director.
Being able to acquire the property needed to build homes here has been one of the biggest obstacles, confirmed Hall.
“We’ve been able to complete several home repairs (in Gilmer County), but have struggled to find suitable land, leaders and volunteers to consider new construction,” he added.
With the property deed work done, the HFH team wants to get started building as soon as possible. Ferguson said the homes will be three-bedroom, two-bath, single family residences.
“We are very excited to get going on these builds here in Gilmer County,” she added. “We hope to start immediately. Now that we’ve secured the deed, we will start to go through with grading the property and all the steps we have to do.”
A hallmark of the Christian homebuilding nonprofit has long been recruiting builders, carpenters, tradespeople and other members of communities to assist in the construction process. This project will be no different, Ferguson confirmed.
“We have so many incredible partners here in Gilmer County (who will be offering building assistance),” she added. “We are also looking for corporate and individual volunteers. The best way to get involved is to go to our website (HFHFanninGilmer.org), fill out the volunteer form and someone will contact you.”
Informational meeting scheduled
Fannin-Gilmer HFH will hold an informational “financial literacy” meeting from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 25, at the South State Bank in East Ellijay, 489 Highland Crossing. The bank branch is not currently open, but that won’t prevent the meeting from being held there, noted Ferguson.
“It’s for anyone interested in applying for a Habitat house in Gilmer. It will give people a good idea if they can qualify,” she said. “If they can’t, we also want to help them with steps to start getting their credit in order.”
The meeting will include a free class that will provide financial information including details on USDA loans and building credit needed to get a home loan.
“Anyone who comes to this meeting can get that free class,” said Ferguson.
“We’re partnering with USDA to help those interested in applying for home loans and home repair loans, as well as repair grants for eligible seniors,” added Hall.
Over the last few years, Ferguson, a former Gilmer County commissioner, has made a priority of working toward more local affordable housing options. She said the 11-member HFH board for the two counties now has more Gilmer representation, which will hopefully lead to more activity here.
“I saw the need, and I saw that there weren’t as many Gilmer folks on the board. Since it is the affiliate for (both counties), I wanted to make sure we had representation,” Ferguson added. “We all have the same heart, and both communities are in desperate need of affordable housing.”