The Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, Roy Smith, explained during this week’s meeting how the organization is more than just being about putting up walls for a house.  As they get ready to begin their 16^th home since being founded in 1976,  Smith said it is a full interaction with the recipient family to build stability and self-reliance.  This ranges from the family’s sweat equity during construction to help with managing finances.  He pointed out that homes are not given outright to family recipients, but they do come with no-interest mortgages and many of the typical construction costs are covered by donations from contractors who want to help make an impact in the community through the pride of  home ownership. Smith showed a video about the organization which included a segment featuring former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, who are Habitat supporters.

 

As construction begins this year, Smith said for him personally this will be the 29^th Habitat home on which he has helped.  This will be the 16^th home for the local Habitat chapter.  Michelle Ramey, whose family will be moving into the home being built in Malta, gave a heartfelt thanks for the home ownership opportunity Habitat is giving.  Smith said in the future the local chapter hopes to increase its capacity to build homes by opening a restore shop to sell donated furniture.  He said the organization is always looking for volunteers to help with construction, cleanup,  meals for workers, and fundraising.  Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County is a registered non-profit organization.  Their website is www.hfhdcillinois.org.