By: Carissa Lovvorn
Concrete block, wood, sheetrock, paint, nails — just a few materials used when building a house. But what is needed for a home?
King Solomon shared in the book of Proverbs, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures” (Proverbs 24: 3-4 NIV). In the New Testament book of Matthew, Jesus presented us with the concept of building our homes and lives with a rock-solid foundation based on God’s word.
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
This mission holds a special place in my heart. I understand the need for a stable home and how hard some people must work to obtain the dream of homeownership. From my time as a HFH employee, I became friends with the customers, partner families, volunteers, and anyone who walked through the doors of the ReStore. I am pleased that Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley chose to take Limestone County under their wing.
Our new local affiliate strives to offer affordable housing to those in need while building strong families through financial education, stability, and love. God’s presence embodies every new house. Prayer proceeds each groundbreaking ceremony and workday on the job site. A trademark to Habitat builds is the practice of writing scripture on the two by fours used for the framing. Habitat for Humanity literally builds these homes with God’s word at the foundation.
On June 20, 2024, Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley staff, volunteers, and community leaders met for the first groundbreaking ceremony in Athens. The guests of honor were of course the excited partner family. Partner families work to obtain the necessary “sweat equity hours” and attend training courses to ensure successful homeownership. Once the house is complete, the partner family assumes the mortgage payments with zero percent interest. By utilizing this method, Habitat for Humanity believes they provide “A hand up, not a handout.”
Again, I ask. What is needed for a home? Particularly, this Habitat home. A strong Godly foundation, wisdom, materials, and…volunteers. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor” (Ecclesiastes 4:9).
It is a blessing to volunteer and support HFH homes. Some of my fondest memories come from the times I spent on Habitat jobsites. Don’t think you can swing a hammer? No problem! There are numerous volunteer opportunities when it comes to the building process. Painting, landscaping, organizing, feeding volunteers, etc. We all possess God-given gifts that can be used to help those in need. “Above all, love each other deeply…Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling, each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:8-11).
I know that I plan to help—pink hard hat and all!
To donate or volunteer, please contact: Traci Draper @ tdraper@habitatrivervalley.org 256-533-2282 ext. 153
Blessings,
By: Carissa Lovvorn
December 20, 2024
