On August 27^th, Habitat for Humanity of Fannin and Gilmer Counties celebrated completion of its fifth house in Morganton and the Anderson family and friends celebrated their new home.

None of this happens without all of the community coming together to make affordable housing happen. – Chris Hall, Director of Habitat for Humanity of  Fannin and Gilmer Counties

In October, Amanda and David Anderson and their three daughters, Kadence, Bella and Scarlett will move into their Jordan Lane home.  Helping them get there was local Habitat for Humanity volunteers, New Oregon Methodist Church from Fort Payne, AL and the Anderson’s 600 plus hours of sweat equity.  Habitat for Humanity requires all new homeowners and future house residents over 18 years old to give at least 300 hours of work on the house.  Amanda Anderson has been doing drywall, cabinetry and helping her husband, David, with flooring.  David Anderson and his step-father completed the stone work at the entry way, a project they started on while volunteering for Habitat before they knew that the Andersons would occupy the house.

Amanda Anderson says finally my daughters have a house they will be proud of and be able to say Mama and Daddy helped build.  Currently we live in a three-room trailer in McCaysville.  When the girls start running, like all young children do, the trailer shakes like a herd of elephants was running through it.

According to Chris Hall, Habitat is the builder, the bank, mortgage originator and mortgage servicer. (see Habitat’s website). He continues, “The outcome from all of the hard work on both sides is that through homeownership, volunteers and future homeowners gain strength, stability, and self-reliance. The chapter’s website lists qualifications and salary limits for people who want to qualify for a Habitat house.  The chapter also has a smaller program which assists low income individuals with major house repairs such as roofing, weatherizing and heating systems.  Habitat also runs ReStore, a thrift store for home furnishings and construction materials.

Probably the most famous Habitat for Humanity volunteer is former President Jimmy Carter.  Habitat for Humanity began in Americus, GA , which is very close to White Plains.  President Carter saw Habitat as a way to fulfill his Christian commandment to help others in need.

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