Greene County Habitat for Humanity was shaken last week by the sudden and tragic loss of one of their Habitat homeowners and two children.  A fatal car crash ended the lives of Robert Poole, Sr. and his two sons, twelve-year-old Robert III and ten- year-old Ronald. Wife and mother, Brittany Poole, was also in the accident and was rushed to Athens Regional Hospital, where she spent several days in ICU before being released. She is recovering and is facing subsequent surgeries.

“This has been a tremendous loss to Greene County Habitat for Humanity and to the entire community,” said Habitat Chairman, Theresa Kemp.  “Our hearts go out to Brittany as she struggles during this most difficult time.”

The Pooles only recently purchased their home from Habitat, moving in this June.

“The Poole family captured the hearts of our volunteers in the year they have been in our program. Both mother and father were dedicated workers, eagerly involved in the construction of their new home, while sons Robert and Ronald were always with their parents, helping around the worksite and beaming with joy about their new home,” Kemp stated. “They worked hundreds of hours of sweat equity, exceeding all requirements in our program, and were an inspiration to our volunteers and other homeowners, as they enthusiastically prepared for homeownership. It is sad in knowing that they were only in the house for two months when this devastating tragedy occurred.”

“There has been an outpouring of condolences and sympathy to Brittany Poole during this painful time,” stated Elaine Mathews, Executive Director of Habitat. “The loss of her family has been heartbreaking for our volunteers and homeowners. Our entire Affiliate is in mourning over this terrible tragedy and we continue to keep her in our thoughts and prayers.”

Habitat Family Partnering Chairman, Linda Pointer, who coordinates and oversees the Habitat homeowner mentoring program, shares her sentiments stating, “We love Brittany, and pray God will be with her and give her strength in the upcoming days.”

Two funds have been established to assist Brittany with expenses, one with BankSouth and the other with Greene County Habitat for Humanity.  

Friends of Brittany have opened an account at BankSouth for her.  Checks may be dropped off at any BankSouth location. Checks should be made payable to “Friends of Brittany Poole.”

A fund has been established with Greene County Habitat for those wishing to donate towards Brittany’s mortgage payments. Checks should be made payable to Greene County Habitat for Humanity and mailed to P. O. Box 321, Greensboro, GA 30642.  Checks should be noted as designated to the “Poole Mortgage Fund.” For further information, contact Elaine Mathews at Habitat at (706) 453-1718, Ext. 5 or elaine@gchabitat.com.