Habitat in need of continued support

Habitat for Humanity of Towns/Union Counties recently invited all area ministers and church representatives to a meeting sponsored by the Habitat's Church Relations Committee. The meeting was held at Zion United Methodist Church on Hwy 515, Blairsville.

Bobbi Tower, Chair of the Committee, thanked all of those present for their participation in last years "habitat build" and discussed the need for their continued support. The presentation included 2007's version of Apostles Build, the concept where 12 churches share in providing the time, talent and funding for the structural portion of this year's house. Funding for the property and miscellaneous expenses comes from other Habitat sources. Support for Habitat in our two counties continues to grow as represented by the enthusiasm of those in attendance.

Elizabeth Lashley gave an overview of the family selection process and current HUD income requirements. Atotal of 16 families attended the preapplication meetings indicating their interest in applying for the house to be built this summer.

Habitat Board member Bob Hiler announced plans for Habitat's third annual bowling tournament to be held April 21st at Galaxy Bowling in Blairsville. Last year the tournament netted almost $8,000 which helped to pay for the lot we will build on this year.

Two meetings were held, one in the morning and another in the afternoon to accommodate the busy schedules of our ministers. Attendees included representatives from St. Francis Catholic Church, St. Clare's Episcopal, First United Methodist of Union County, Mountain Presbyterian, First Baptist of Blairsville, Confidence United Methodist, Coosa United Methodist Church, Hiawassee United Methodist, House of Prayer, New Union Baptist, Shepard of the Hills Lutheran (Morganton), All Saints Lutheran, Sharp United Methodist, and host Zion United Methodist. In all, 21 ministers and their representatives attended the two sessions. A special thank you goes to Rev. Victory McVay, pastor of Zion for the church's hospitality in hosting the meetings.

Any church which would like to participate in this years Apostle's Build should contact Bobbi Tower at 706-745-8750, call the Habitat office at 706- 379-2484 or email "habitat@brmemc.net".