Sharon Banford, left, holding Ariana, Johnathon Banford, holding Lily, meet with Darrin Johnston, President of Habitat for Humanity’s local Board of Directors. Habitat broke ground on the Banford’s new home this week. It will be the 67th house built by Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia since it was founded in 1985. . The agency serves Habersham and White Counties.
Nearly two years ago, Sharon and Johnathon Banford filled out the application.
Then they went for the interview.
Then they were accepted – and since that time, they have been in a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia.
Habitat for Humanity is a non-denominational Christian ministry funded by donations of money, materials, and labor. Its mission is to create “a world where everyone has a decent place to live,” said Executive Director Nanette Baughman. Habitat partners with people like the Banfords, who did not get a traditional bank loan to build a house, but who will do volunteer work to secure a zero-interest loan from Habitat. That loan is one they will have to pay back, once they move into their new home. They will have provided volunteer “sweat equity” as well.
Any family accepted for a Habitat homebuilding will have to give 300 hours of volunteer labor – either in a house that will belong to someone else, or in Habitat’s “Re-Store”- a thrift store in Clarkesville. While the Banfords’s house is built, another family will be contributing 300 hours of labor.
On Tuesday, Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia held a groundbreaking event for the Banfords. Darrin Johnston, President of the 12-member Board of Directors in Habersham County, said that the Banfords’ groundbreaking was for “house number 67,” the sixty-seventh Habitat house built in Habersham and White counties since the organization built its first house, in 1986. The property where the Banfords’ house will be located was donated, he added.
Johnston said Tuesday that a family’s partnership with Habitat helps to “break the cycle of non-ownership of a home.” Research data shows, he said, that “kids do better in school” and the parents “get involved in the community” when the family home is owned.
Executive Director Baughman stressed that volunteer hours are always needed and donations are welcomed at the Re-Store on Rocky Branch Road in Clarkesville. The Re-Store is open for donations Tuesday through Saturday, 9am-4pm, she said. In addition, approximately 80% of every dollar donated goes directly “to fund our efforts in Habersham and White counties,” she added.
Inn the last three months, “70 volunteers have provided over 1200 hours” of service. “Since there is no government involvement in the ministry,” Baughman said, “donors like United Way, businesses, and individuals deserve our thanks.”
