By Gary Lloyd
CLAY — Local homebuilders have partnered with Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity to raise walls on 13 homes in partnership with low-income families seeking decent and affordable housing in Clay as part of Habitat for Humanity’s Home Builders Blitz 2014.
Home Builders Blitz 2014 is a partnership between Habitat for Humanity and the building industry to build homes across the nation. Builders and Habitat affiliates work closely to organize all aspects of building, including securing subcontractors and suppliers, fundraising and seeking donations of materials. Builders participating in the program this year worked with more than 80 Habitat affiliates.
“Many of Habitat’s most prolific supporters have come from the building community whose members understand the importance of creating strong communities,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “We are incredibly grateful that so many home builders choose to give of their time, talent and resources to help build hope in the lives of families in need of decent shelter.”
Construction on 13 homes in the Winchester Hills subdivision off Sweeney Hollow Road in Clay began Thursday. Families are scheduled to receive their keys Thursday, May 8 at noon.
Families receiving keys to their new homes are Carla Smith and son Justin; Shaunte Miller; Brittany Dixon and daughters Alana and Londyn; Moneyette Armstrong and daughters Trinity and Zion; Marilyn Phillips and daughter Amari; Tamika Pope, daughters Cortney, Camilah, and Caliya, and granddaughter Jhonna; Cathy Walker and daughters Calandra and Cassandra; Tyechia Owens and children Cameron, Courtlyn and Cydney; Tara Sweeney and sons JaCarrius, Jayden, T’yon and Alonzo; Ashley Robinson and daughter Mari; Tiffany Sweeney and children Nicholas and Nakia; and Oneasha Swanson and son Mentae.
Ten families received keys to their new Habitat for Humanity homes in the Winchester Hills subdivision last May. In December, one family received the key to its new home in the same subdivision as part of Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity’s “Home for the Holidays” event.
It was announced last year that Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity had purchased 50 more lots in the Winchester Hills subdivision. The 2015 Home Builders Blitz could also take place there.
Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity President and CEO Charles Moore said families who qualify for the Habitat for Humanity program must contribute 300 hours of “sweat equity” and attend workshops on financing and budgeting. The families pay a mortgage, but with zero interest.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.