FEATURED COVER STORY
Community Partnership: Habitat for Humanity - Coosa Valley
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by Jodi Varnado
abitat for Humanity- Coosa Valley has been creating safe and affordable houses for families throughout the community since 1984. Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program is rooted in a mission to reflect God’s love to all individuals. This program helps partner families achieve their goal of homeownership and provides opportunities for community members to use their Godgiven gifts. Together, forever homes are built!
In May of 2021, Habitat for Humanity- Coosa Valley was blessed to be able to select two partner families and future Habitat homeowners: the Bowers family and the Chambers family. “The Habitat home will be a sense of stability and security for the girls and I. We will finally have something
22 // December 2021
that we know is ours for a lifetime. I’m so grateful because I honestly did not think it would be something I would ever be able to obtain for them,” said Ms. Bowers. How To Become a Partner Family Habitat for Humanity is a hand-up, not a hand-out for families. Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program is a partnership with families in our community. Homes are sold, not given, to approved homeowner applicants. These applicants demonstrate a need for housing, an ability to pay, and a willingness to partner. Criteria: 1. A need for simple, decent, and affordable housing, as defined by one or more of the following: substandard living conditions, unsafe living environment, temporary housing, cost burden, and or overcrowding. 2. An ability to pay a 25–30-year interest-free mortgage. 3. A willingness to partner, including the fulfillment of 300 “sweat equity” hours of volunteer work and participation in required educational classes and approved community activities.
