Habitat breaks ground again

Bill Logan, Solomon Patrick, Bobby and Misty Thompson and children Nolen, Brayden, Kaylyn, and Bobby Ray.

On Sunday, November 11th, a crowd gathered at the site of the future home of Bobby & Misty Thompson and their four young children. This will be Habitat for Humanity Towns/Union Counties' seventh house. It was a celebration, not only for the family, but also for all those who had made it possible.

All summer long our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate had been searching for appropriate, affordable land on which to build the next house. Finally it became available through the help of one of the Apostle Build churches, the land was cleared and the first shovelfuls of dirt were dug. Taking part in the service were Habitat Acting President Elizabeth Lashley, the Reverend Jerry Helton, Pastor of House of Prayer; Solomon Patrick, Building Supervisor; Bill Logan, Construction and Sit Committees; and Bobby, Misty, Brayden, Kaylyn, Nolan &

Bobby Ray Thompson III.

For over a year, churches in our two counties have contributed money toward this house. Ten churches committed to being Apostle Build Churches by providing the costs, and the labor, devotions and food for the actual building. Those churches are All Saints Lutheran, Confidence United Methodist, Coosa United Methodist, First Baptist of Blairsville, First United Methodist of Union County, Hiawassee United Methodist,

Mountain Presbyterian, New Union Baptist, Sharp Memorial United Methodist and St. Clare's Episcopal. In addition, these churches have contributed in various ways: Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal, McConnell Memorial Baptist, Notla River Baptist Association, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran, Union Hill United Methodist and Zion United Methodist. Teams from these churches will do most of the building. The Affiliate and the family greatly appreciate the ministry of these churches in making this home a possibility.

Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical, Christian housing ministry seeking to provide simple, decent housing for families in need. In our local area, we select families using certain criteria based on their need and ability to pay a no-interest mortgage. The homeowner partners join with volunteers in the construction of their home. Funding comes from local contributions to our local affiliate. If you'd like to share your time, talents or finances with Habitat, please call the office at 706-379- 2484.