Can you imagine never living in a house you could call your own? Can you imagine never being able to afford four walls and a roof for your family? For many families in Oktibbeha County and millions of others across the United States, this is a reality.
An organization called Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to helping people in these situations. Habitat was founded by Millard Fuller and his wife, Linda, who were inspired by other people’s substandard housing and wanted to do something about it.
With its headquarters in Americas, Ga., Habitat has been in operation for 25 years and is an international organization.
Habitat helps those who live in houses that are often too small for families or that are in rough neighborhoods.
The organization operates from donations and builds houses for families. Most houses are $45,000 and include a 20-year loan, which the families can eventually pay back.
The money that the family pays back for their home goes back to Habitat and into someone else’s house.
“We really want to inspire people in the community to help with Habitat,” said Beverly Bowers, Oktibbeha County executive director for Habitat.
Fundraisers, churches, businesses and donations support Habitat.
Habitat currently builds one to two houses in the Starkville community a year but hopes to build close to seven homes next year with the help of the community.
An upcoming event for Habitat is the Collegiate Challenge in the spring.
Several different universities, including Rockford College in Ill., will come to Starkville in March and stay at the Boy Scout camp.
Each participant will donate $100 and help build houses for the community.
“We are always needing supplies,” Bowers said. “Local businesses help out a lot by giving us discounts, but anything would help.”
Habitat operates with an old truck that barely runs, according to Bowers. It is used for carrying tools and supplies back and forth from the property sights to Habitat’s warehouse, located off Rockhill Road.
The warehouse stores mattresses, used furniture, light fixtures, appliances, washers and dryers and is opened on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for anyone who would like to purchase some of the items or donate to Habitat.
Habitat, which currently has 11 board members, meets every fourth Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Griffin United Methodist Church. Anyone is welcome to attend.
There is also an MSU campus Habitat for Humanity. Emily McCarson, a senior from Demopolis, Ala., serves as the president.
“We are trying to get our chapter organized,” McCarson said. “We are also currently tying to get a Web page started up.”
Campus Habitat has as many as three fundraisers each year, according to McCarson.
“Our goal is that everyone who comes to Mississippi State knows about Habitat for Humanity and knows that we’re here, and we want their help,” McCarson said.
The United Way also supports Habitat for Humanity, but anyone who would like to make a donation through United Way should specify that it goes to Habitat for Humanity.
“We welcome ideas for fund-raisers, and anyone can volunteer to help with Habitat,” Bowers said.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity, call 324-7008.