by Habitat for Humanity SHR
Photos courtesy of Habitat for Humanity
The next two houses that Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads builds will be their 250th and 251st since beginning operations in 1988. “And we are so pleased that these milestone homes will bear the name of a former president and first lady of the United States who did so much to bring Habitat’s mission to the forefront,” says Megan Savali, new executive director of the Norfolk-based non-profit.
Construction will kick off September 22, on Queen Street in Suffolk. “The first home on the lot will be in honor of Jimmy Carter, who passed last year, the second will commemorate his late wife Rosalynn –a tribute to their legacy of service.”
Savali is particularly pleased that two major philanthropic firms have stepped up to support the pair of builds. She continues, “Birdsong Peanuts and Virtexco General Contractors are our major sponsors, with many other partners contributing as well. Some will have teams on site throughout the two-week long project, lending a hand under the guidance of our construction team and famous Red Hats, a core group of experienced volunteers supporting our mission and providing homes for the families who will live in them.”
The Habitat builds will be the first home each of the two low-income families have owned, says Savali, “They can’t wait to get the keys and move in.” The adults will be on site during the builds, providing sweat equity, which is one of the requirements to be eligible for the no-interest loans they receive. “The new homeowners will have a mortgage that they can afford,” says Frank Hruska, former executive director and now chief financial officer for Habitat SHR. “They also have taken classes in financial literacy, how to budget and how to maintain their dwellings.”
Each of the homes will have three bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen, living area and a yard to maintain. “These are solid structures that will enhance the neighborhoods in which they’ll be located,” Hruska shares.
Mayor Mike Duman will be participating in the build on September 24th along with other individuals from Suffolk Economic Development.
Other community partners include Groundworks, American Legion Post 327, Breeden Companies, Stihl America, Main Street Methodist as well as WTKR TV 3, media partner for the project. “Affordable housing is one of the most pressing needs in Hampton Roads,” says Savali. One in seven families spends more than half their income on housing. The Carter Legacy Build will take place September 22 – October 3, with construction continuing in the succeeding months.
The Carters began their association with Habitat in their hometown of Plains, Georgia in 1984. That commenced a worldwide movement that would eventually bring together 100,000 volunteers across 14 countries to build and repair homes alongside families in need. Says Frank Hruska, “We believe we’re building a living legacy to the Carters who continue to inspire the work we all do.”
Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
For more information, go to shrhabitat.org, or call Kathleen Petersen at 757-837-0083
