CullmanTimes.com, Cullman, Alabama

Local News

September 27, 2008

Volunteers gather to build Habitat House

By Tiffany Green

STAFF WRITER

Volunteers arrived bright and early to help begin building a Habitat for Humanity house in southwest Cullman.

“Just feels good to help another family,” said Stacie Flanagan, volunteer. “Wanting them to have something that’s theirs feels good.”

Volunteers from the Cullman County Realtors Association, St. Andrews United Methodist Church and Guthery Construction along with Habitat for Humanity of Cullman County began the project on Saturday morning.

“We are building first and then we will select a family,” David Fisher said.

Fisher is on the Habitat for Humanity of Cullman County board.

“Our slogan is a hand-up, not a hand out,” Fisher said. “We are a Christian faith based organization.”

Habitat for Humanity builds or remodels at least one house per year in Cullman county said Fisher.

The candidates will get an interest free mortgage and will also be required to put in 300 hours of sweat equity in the next habitat project, he said.

There are currently eight Cullman families in Habitat homes. The newest one is located in southwest Cullman, next to two other Habitat homes.

“Most of the families take good care of their homes after they receive one,” Fisher said.

Financial counseling is offered for the families when they move in, Fisher said.

Renita Tankersley of Crye-Leike Realty said she is enjoying helping.

“As Realtors, this is a great way to give back to the community,” Tankersley said. “We are willing to help.”

Donation are great appreciated in whatever amount someone can give, Fisher said.

“Even three dollars can help,” Fisher said. “That will pay for a stud.”

All of the work is donated time by volunteers and much of the building materials are donated.

“Any one can help with a home,” Fisher said. “Once when I did a house in Florida, I saw a girl with no arms who was hammering with her feet, so if she can do it with no arms then anyone can help.”

To donate to Habitat for Humanity contact David Fisher at 287-0264 or mail a donation to P.O. Box 1489, Cullman, Al 35056-1489.

‰ Tiffany Green can be reached by e-mail at Tgreen@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 221.

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