On Saturday, March 8, at 1:30 p.m. Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia will break ground on House #81 located at 300 Rockford Creek Road, Clarkesville, GA.
“We are excited about starting on House #81. This home is for a single mom with 2 children and will be next to Houses #79 and #80,” Brian Young, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia, said.
Sweat equity
As required, families must contribute “sweat equity” in their home and the homes of others. “This particular family has already contributed 130 hours in homes #79 and #80. It is truly the definition of neighbor helping neighbor,” Young added.
It is a long-standing tradition that when a Habitat Home is built, messages are written on the 2x4s making up the frame of the home. And, often, art work is included with these messages.
Two elementary schools participated
For House #81, two elementary schools, Demorest Elementary in Habersham County and Jack P. Nix Elementary School in White County, were asked to participate in writing messages on 2x4s which will be used in framing the house.
Taylor Guilloud – Art Teacher at Demorest Elementary School, loved the idea, and having her students participate meant a great deal to her.
“Each grade has been drawing and writing messages of well-wishes for the new home and the family that will live there,” Guilloud said.
“It has given me the opportunity to talk about how we help in our community and to give the students the idea that their words and spirit will be with this house.”
A way to learn community
Jack P. Nix Elementary’s students have enjoyed the project. Katie DeFoor, Art Teacher for K-5th grade at Jack P. Nix expressed gratitude for being asked by Habitat for Humanity, and she hopes to be able to contribute again.
“Our students were very eager to discuss the purpose of Habitat Homes and to know that their efforts would impact a local family. We used our paints and positive thoughts and filled up several pieces of lumber with words and images that represent love, kindness, and a sense of ‘home’.” DeFoor added.
“Having opportunities like this is priceless, because by being a part of painting these boards, we can show kids that they have the ability to help and be a part of the community in a positive way.”
Ground breaking ceremony
Also, the home where their art work and messages will be displayed will be a part of Habitat’s annual Women Build event. This gives many people from the White & Habersham Communities the ability to see the beautiful art work of the students as they participate in building the house.
The event will be a bringing together of community as the home owners from Houses #79 and #80 plan to be there for the ground breaking of the newest home – House #81. You will not want to miss being a part of this beautiful tradition and helping celebrate the ground breaking of Habitat for Humanity’s newest home. Children who participated in decorating the 2x4s might want to come with their family and witness the Ground Breaking Ceremony for House #81.
RELATED: Women Build 2025 at Habitat for Humanity of NEGA
