In recognition of World Habitat Day 2012, The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in LaGrange is planning a series of events for to address the need for decent housing around the world, including in West Georgia.
The LaGrange Habitat ReStore at 333 Main St. will be open Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and those who come by may enjoy a Starbucks coffee and cake, learn about you local affiliate’s international tithing program and celebrate the completion of a new home for María Francisca Estrada, a hard-working mother of three children living in La Ceiba, Honduras. The store will offer 20 percent off all purchases and participate in hourly draws. The first 50 purchases receive a free Habitat shopping bag.
“In my own experience with Habitat for Humanity, I’ve seen the transformational impact, that decent, affordable shelter can bring to families and entire communities,” said Steven Brown, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Troup/Chambers/Randolph/Heard. “It brings stability and permanence, safety and comfort, hope, promise and possibility, both locally and around the world.”
Habitat for Humanity’s theme for World Habitat Day 2012, “Many Homes, One Community,” highlights the vital role that decent, affordable housing plays in community stabilization and development. The focus is on the importance of home ownership in a neighborhood’s progress.
Beginning Monday and continuing through November, Habitat for Humanity and affiliated organizations will host hundreds of local events — from builds and flash mobs to parades, contests, housing forums and everything in between — to draw attention to the need for safe, decent, affordable shelter for all. Habitat for Humanity International will also launch its annual shelter report, which will focus on the role of the home in a neighborhood’s progression.
The two-month observance of the need for safe, decent and affordable shelter and the pivotal role of housing in community development will culminate with Habitat’s flagship annual event, the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. The 29th annual Carter Work Project returns to Haiti as part of its two-year effort to strengthen and support Habitat’s work there.
The United Nations established World Habitat Day in 1985 to spotlight the need for adequate shelter worldwide. On the first Monday in October each year, Habitat for Humanity affiliates and national organizations raise their collective voice, taking action to change the systems, policies and attitudes that lead to poverty housing, and engaging partners in solutions.
Habitat for Humanity of Troup/Chambers/Randolph/Heard counties was established as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International in 1991. June 2003 witnessed the building of houses and hope over five days through the Jimmy Carter work project benefiting families across the counties who may not otherwise be able to experience home ownership.
Through volunteer labor, efficient management and donations of money and materials, Habitat homes are built and sold to partner families at no profit. They are financed with affordable, no-interest mortgages, geared to the families’ financial circumstances.
Habitat for Humanity is not a give-away program. In addition to the mortgage payments, each homeowner contributes 500 hours of unpaid labor into the building of their home and other homes. This is called “sweat equity,” which Habitat officials say increases pride of ownership and reduces Habitat’s costs.
Habitat officials thanked the passion and action of volunteers in Troup, Chambers, Randolph and Heard counties.
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