By: Carissa Lovvorn
Two pieces of jagged metal. Alone, they hold little significant value, but placed in a corresponding deadbolt, they have the ability to unlock possibilities. On Saturday May 31, Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley handed over housekeys to its first Limestone County partner family. Staff, volunteers, elected officials, family friends, and a few little girls wearing tutus welcomed the Walton family to their new home during the dedication ceremony. The Habitat for Humanity service model not only provides a family with affordable housing, it provides them with the knowledge and skills necessary for lifelong success. In order to complete the program, the partner family must complete numerous hours of “sweat equity” along with fifty-five hours of financial and homeownership classes.
After construction is complete, Habitat for Humanity sells the home to the partner family through a thirty-year mortgage with 0% interest. I’ve heard countless stories of how these homes changed the lives of the recipients. Instead of a vast portion of their income going to rising rental costs, they now can maintain a savings account, purchase more nutritious food, and further their education. Additionally, safe and stable homes have a significant impact on the lives of children. According to Habitat for Humanity International, “Stable home environments raise young children’s math and reading test scores, and affordable homeownership is a conduit for greater residential stability. Removing hazards and providing homes that eliminate overcrowding leads to better physical and mental health, development, and educational achievement for children.”
Soon after the dedication ceremony our youngest daughter made a thoughtful observation. “Mommy, do you remember the first day we went to the Habitat home? When Daddy and Granddaddy used strings to lay it out? Now there is a whole house there!”
Much like my daughter, I’m always blown away by the amount of volunteerism that goes into a Habitat home. To keep costs down, the framing, landscaping, painting, and various other tasks typically performed by hired contractors are carried out by volunteers. This allows the low-cost model to work efficiently.
Furthermore, the attractive home designs bring value to neighborhoods. Due to their involvement in the building process, partner families are proud of their new living situation and strive to maintain the upkeep of the yard and home.
Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley seeks to make an impact in Limestone County. They hope to obtain a large piece of land that would accommodate several partner family homes. To donate toward the Habitat for Humanity cause or sign up for future volunteer endeavors, please contact: Traci Draper @ tdraper@habitatrivervalley.org 256-533-2282 ext.153
When I ride by and look at this house, I can’t help but be proud of our community. This particular set of keys not only signifies upcoming adventures for the Walton Family, they also stand for possibilities for the affiliate. I look forward to many more dedication ceremonies where new keys are handed over to deserving families.
“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest” (Isaiah 32:8 NIV).
Blessings,
Carissa Lovvorn
June 6, 2025
