By Gary Lloyd
CHALKVILLE — A Habitat for Humanity home was built in five days and dedicated Friday in the Chalkville area.
For the 22nd time, volunteers with the Alabama Power Service Organization Magic City Chapter and numerous partners constructed a Habitat for Humanity Home for the Dorsey family, which consists of mother Rayonna, and daughters Elizabeth, 9, and Chloe, 1.
Volunteers built a “green” EarthCents home with energy-efficient and environmentally friendly features.
Rayonna Dorsey with daughters Elizabeth and Chloe
photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Greater Birmingham
“This opportunity is a great way for APSO to partner with Habitat and other agencies to bring positive change in our communities,” said John Hudson, Alabama Power’s vice president of Public Relations and Charitable Giving. “Through APSO, our employees and their families are empowering families throughout the state by their dedication to service.”
Habitat for Humanity Greater Birmingham President and CEO Charles Moore said the partnership allows for the Dorsey family to experience the dream of home ownership.
“The installation of green features means direct savings on utility costs, which will help with keeping housing costs affordable throughout their lifetime,” Moore said.
Several features of the Dorsey’s EarthCents home will produce savings on electricity. These include Energy Star appliances, lighting and controls, as well as energy-efficient heating and cooling and a hybrid hot-water system.
Other elements in the design of the home and yard will help reduce water usage. For example, the home will have a rain-harvesting system for irrigation. The home will also have low-flow faucets, shower heads and toilets. Low-toxic paints, caulking and adhesives will make the home cleaner and healthier. Construction materials will be recycled where possible, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
“This project will show how a green EarthCents home will improve energy efficiency, and put money back in the homeowner’s wallet over the long run,” said Robin White, a green building specialist at Alabama Power and past chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council, Alabama Chapter. “This energy-efficient home will be healthier for the family and have less of an impact on the environment.”
Rayonna Dorsey is a Central Park High School graduate and attended UAB. She’s worked for six years as a receptionist at Hollis, Wright, Clay & Vail, PC. She’s the youth director at St. Matthew AME Church and aspires to return to school and complete her degree in biology.
“It is an amazing opportunity to own my own house, and to have a place where my children can call home,” she said. “Thank you for making this possible for my family.”
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.
