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Columbus family one step closer to homeownership

 

COLUMBUS – The Habitat for Humanity Blanton Street build in Columbus reached an exciting milestone on Thursday as volunteers, staff, and future homeowner Hilary Cole raised the walls of her family’s future home. The event was a day filled with energy, hope, and community spirit.

Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that brings people together to build homes and strengthen communities. The new build on Blanton St. is just one of their many projects in the area aimed at providing affordable housing for families in need. 

Cole, the future homeowner, was excited to participate in the wall-raising event and move one step closer to realizing her dream of owning a home.

“With God, all things are possible, and if not for faith and prayer, none of this would have happened,” said Cole. “I really have to thank Habitat, the volunteers, my friends, my family, and especially the community. It’s been wonderful getting involved in the building and a true learning experience.”

The day began with a light breakfast and a prayer from Deacon Mike Horton of Oak Grove Baptist Church of Landrum, which is where the Cole family goes to church. Volunteers and church members then wrote blessings on the wooden beams and walls before the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, Linda Saturno, addressed the crowd. With everyone present and ready, the walls were raised one by one, marking an important celebration of the construction process.

“The wall-raising serves as the first symbolic celebration for each family,” said Saturno. “It’s a significant part of the process with everyone signing the beams and walls with blessings and prayers.”

For those who have never been to a Habitat build site, the energy and enthusiasm of the volunteers are contagious. The knowledge that every task completed helps a family move closer to their dream of owning a home makes the day even more special. Habitat for Humanity is a testament to the power of community spirit and the importance of coming together to support those in need.

“While the building is important, the safety of our volunteers always comes first,” Saturno adds. “We are lucky to have Doug Bailey as our head builder, and he always includes a complete safety talk before each day, and of course, everyone wears a hard hat when required.”

If you’re interested in getting involved with Habitat for Humanity, there are many ways to do so. You can volunteer at a build site, donate funds or materials, donate gently used furniture or housewares to the Habitat ReStore in Landrum or simply spread the word about the organization’s important work. No matter how you choose to support Habitat for Humanity, you’ll be making a difference in the lives of families in need. 

For more information about Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity, visit thermalbelthabitat.org.