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Ruralite Cafe: Published 03/01/01By Rose Hooper Features EditorHabitat seeks partners for new homes |
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Tom Stovall stopped by the Cafe the other day to share a concern. The local Habitat for Humanity Chapter is thriving and is ready to start on another house, but they don't have a family for the new home.
Through his business, Southern Lumber Co., Tom understands the need for affordable housing in Jackson County. That's why he got involved with Habitat. "When Jack Farmer rotated off the Habitat for Humanity board, he asked me if I'd be interested, and I said, 'Sure, that's a fine thing to be involved in,'" said Stovall, now in his second year as president of the Christian ministry that provides decent, affordable housing to those in need. "What I like about Habitat is that it is not a handout or a charity; it's a partnership," he said. "Participants have to work at least 500 'sweat equity' hours to qualify." |
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It is the American dream to own your own home, Stovall said, and he likes being a part of an organization like Habitat that makes it possible for others to achieve that dream.
"Some families are unable to find a place to live at a price they can afford to pay," he said. "Habitat's philosophy is that all working people deserve a decent place to live on terms they can afford to pay." If a family is willing to partner with Habitat and to commit to its agreements, "we will help build them fine, decent housing," Stovall said. Partners are generally first-time home buyers who don't qualify for bank loans. Habitat acts as the banker, mortgage holder, building contractor and builder. "We're all in one," he said. Currently, Habitat is ready to break ground on its fourth house in Jackson County. Located in Sunrise Park on the lot next to Habitat family Jim and Annie Vandlen and their three daughters, the property was given to Habitat by the town of Sylva. Some folks might remember it as the J.B. and Obbie Gibson trailer park site. "We have four more lots above Town Hall on Hampton Street that we're preparing for Habitat sites," Stovall said. "Now all we need are families to live in them." If you are (or know of) a working family currently living in inadequate housing but are unable to secure a conventional loan, you could be eligible to become a Habitat partner. Stop by the open house and information meeting that will be held this Sunday, March 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Cullowhee United Methodist Church. Qualifications will be discussed, and anyone wishing to apply will be assisted. For more information, call 586-9050. |
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