On Dec. 11, a cool evening in Georgia, more than 50 people gathered at 1021 and 1031 Hope Lane in New Horizons of Ludwig Place Subdivision of Greensboro to celebrate the dedication of the 33rd and 34th houses built by Greene County Habitat for Humanity.

The houses are the new homes for Necotia Grimes and her two children, Treneice and Damon and for Tamara Johnson and her two children Orlando and Orlandra. The houses were completed in time for the families to enjoy the 2011 Christmas in their new homes.  Theresa Kemp, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Greene County Habitat reminded the attendees that “the houses are the products of the combined efforts of the total community and these efforts have helped the dreams of two deserving families come true. It takes the donations of gifts and a lot of work by many volunteers to complete the houses and two loving families to complete the two homes.”

The completed houses were sold to the partner families with affordable mortgages.  Additionally, the families participated in the building of their houses to fulfill their obligation of performing a minimum of 250 hours of ‘sweat equity’ prior to moving in, 100 hours of which are on house construction.

Necotia Grimes is employed by Athens Regional Medical Center and moved into a house sponsored by Greene County Habitat for Humanity 1st Annual Community Build program.  Funds, materials and labor were furnished by businesses and individuals in the community.  The house located at 1031 Hope Lane gives hope for a new beginning to a very young and energetic family.  

Chairman Kemp stated: “Compared to renters, children in Habitat houses have 116 percent more likelihood of graduating from high school, are more likely to attend and graduate from college and will form a family unit of their own as they become responsible citizens.  The Habitat for Humanity program is a proven success, with positive results being seen in both the parents and the children’s lives.”

Tamara Johnson is employed by Publix Super Market and you will see her smiling face behind the deli counter.  Her home was an Apostle Build home in which local churches and their members contributed funds and labor toward its construction.  The home is at 1021 Hope Lane giving hope of a new future for this wonderful family.  Tamara stated that “This home is a dream come true and will add great stability to my family.  I thank the Lord for his guidance and appreciate the help of family, friends and volunteers who built a house that is now our home.”

The families have mentors who guided them in preparation for home ownership and will continue to guide them as homeowners. Lynne Majewski and Jerry Morris are the mentors for the Grimes family and Miriam and David Buchanan are the mentors for the Johnson family. The mentors presented bibles to the families during at the dedication ceremony. These mentors are dedicated citizens, volunteers in the community, who become very close friends of the mentored.  They school the families in all facets of home ownership and will continue to be close friends and counselors of these families.

Greene County Habitat for Humanity is a non-denominational Christian Ministry working in partnership with the community and future homeowners to provide decent, affordable, and safe housing for those in need.  The organization believes that not only is family strength supported and improved by the quality of living conditions, but the community benefits as well. For additional information about Greene County Habitat contact Elaine Mathews at (706) 453-1718 or volunteer@gchabitat.com.