BALDWIN COUNTY, Ga. — Last fall, Habitat for Humanity in Baldwin County received a federal grant from the Housing and Urban League, (HUD) of around $600,000.
This past February, Macon Habitat for Humanity signed a management agreement with Baldwin County Habitat for Humanity. Now, Baldwin County Habitat for Humanity will be building four new houses for four families.
Ivey Hall is the Executive Director for Macon Habitat for Humanity, and she says they signed the agreement because house development slowed to a halt in Baldwin County after the pandemic.
Hall said she wants to see more people with safe homes.
"Every family deserves a place to call home and we know having a stable house leads to a kids success in school," she said.
One homeowner impacted by Habitat for Humanity is Jenita Reaves. Reaves said having a house that feels like a home means everything.
Reaves received her home in her 50's, and she says it's never too late to become a homeowner. She says she finally felt safe, once she became a homeowner in a new neighborhood.
"I have a big burden off my chest. Safety is No. 1 because where I was staying at, I didn't feel safe in that neighborhood," she said. "The house had got broken into several times and it was isolated."
Reaves said now she can have her family over and grill out because she now has more room than she did before. She also said her grandson can stay with her because he now has a spare room.
She designed her house and was able to have a shower for the first time. She says Habitat for Humanity changed her life because she now has more space to live in.
Reaves says she hopes more people can get homes and have their chance at being homeowners. For now she says, she is excited for the recipients of the four houses.
"Oh I'm so excited for the ones that does get picked, like I said I pray for them daily, but like i said its a hand up not a hand down."
These houses will be located at 470 Ross Avenue, 476 Ross Avenue, 131 Hillcrest Dr, 2254 Leo Court. If you are interested in volunteering, visit the Habitat for Humanity Facebook page.