News and Events
Hart Habitat for Humanity's 21st Home Dedication
Persistent; the only word to describe the attitude of Hart County Habitat for Humanity’s most
recent homeowner, Yolanda Feaster, as years rolled by during the building process of her
American dream. Determined speaks to the heart of every volunteer, donor and contractor as
the project seemed cursed by a pandemic, supply-chain issues, inflation and lack of available
workers.
“Finally, finally we have come to this joyous day,” remarked Darlene Nixon, Hart Co Habitat
executive director at Sunday’s house dedication of the 21 st Habitat home in Hart County. “We
can finally celebrate the homecoming for Yolanda, who, by the way, is seeing the inside of her
home for the very first time.”
Due to a disability, Ms. Feaster is confined to a wheelchair and was unable to enter the
structure at any time during construction. The wheelchair ramp built by the Hart County
Golden K group was installed only days before the dedication service. The 61-year-old single
mother wore her emotions on her sleeve on Sunday, as a house full of family, friends and
special guests gathered to admire her new, affordable, energy efficient residence.
Nixon recounted that the Feaster family and friends supplied the lion’s share of Yolanda’s
sweat equity as required by the Habitat “hand-up” model. She did, however, supply many
lunches for volunteers and other workers who took their time to see her home completed. In
the previous home where she, her son, CJ, and granddaughter, Queasia lived, she was
unable to enter the children’s bedrooms or the laundry room due to the narrow doorways. It
was a constant safety concern. This brand new home at 299 Savannah St. is handicap
accessible. And she smiled widely to know she will be able to get to them in the event of an
emergency.
According to Nixon, the Habitat for Humanity process involves building an affordable home
with primarily volunteer labor and as much donated material as possible so the final mortgage
amount is attainable to the very low-income applicant. Hart Habitat holds the mortgage and
collects monthly payments from the carefully selected homeowners who repay the mortgage
over 20 years with no interest. Payments also include escrow for property taxes and
insurance, which means a Habitat homeowner not only improves their own living conditions
but also benefits the economic conditions of the community.
“Qualified families must be within the low to moderate income range based on HUD
guidelines, be a current Hart County resident (for our affiliate), and have a need for decent,
affordable housing,” Nixon said.
As for this 21 st Hart Habitat home, “We are so thankful to each and every person, company
and organization that had a hand in making today possible,” Nixon concluded.
Yolanda thanked the crowd with happy tears and a clutch of the family Bible presented to her
by the local affiliate.
Additionally, Nixon presented to attendees the next two selected partner homeowners, Rebecca Durrett and Brittany Harland. Their homes will be built side by side on Johnny St in
Hartwell. Fundraising efforts are under way through a unique Hart Habitat program called “The
Amazing Hartwell Housing Race,” Nixon said. Two teams of local women community leaders
are racing to secure donated contract labor and materials so that the homes can be built at the
same time.
“This is a challenge to us all to pool our resources and make a tremendous difference in the
lives of these two families,” Nixon pleaded. “So they don’t have to wait for years down the road
for their dedication services. If we each give what we can, the burden can be spread to a
manageable portion. We issue a huge thanks to everyone for their consideration and support
as our Housing Team members approach with a request.”
recent homeowner, Yolanda Feaster, as years rolled by during the building process of her
American dream. Determined speaks to the heart of every volunteer, donor and contractor as
the project seemed cursed by a pandemic, supply-chain issues, inflation and lack of available
workers.
“Finally, finally we have come to this joyous day,” remarked Darlene Nixon, Hart Co Habitat
executive director at Sunday’s house dedication of the 21 st Habitat home in Hart County. “We
can finally celebrate the homecoming for Yolanda, who, by the way, is seeing the inside of her
home for the very first time.”
Due to a disability, Ms. Feaster is confined to a wheelchair and was unable to enter the
structure at any time during construction. The wheelchair ramp built by the Hart County
Golden K group was installed only days before the dedication service. The 61-year-old single
mother wore her emotions on her sleeve on Sunday, as a house full of family, friends and
special guests gathered to admire her new, affordable, energy efficient residence.
Nixon recounted that the Feaster family and friends supplied the lion’s share of Yolanda’s
sweat equity as required by the Habitat “hand-up” model. She did, however, supply many
lunches for volunteers and other workers who took their time to see her home completed. In
the previous home where she, her son, CJ, and granddaughter, Queasia lived, she was
unable to enter the children’s bedrooms or the laundry room due to the narrow doorways. It
was a constant safety concern. This brand new home at 299 Savannah St. is handicap
accessible. And she smiled widely to know she will be able to get to them in the event of an
emergency.
According to Nixon, the Habitat for Humanity process involves building an affordable home
with primarily volunteer labor and as much donated material as possible so the final mortgage
amount is attainable to the very low-income applicant. Hart Habitat holds the mortgage and
collects monthly payments from the carefully selected homeowners who repay the mortgage
over 20 years with no interest. Payments also include escrow for property taxes and
insurance, which means a Habitat homeowner not only improves their own living conditions
but also benefits the economic conditions of the community.
“Qualified families must be within the low to moderate income range based on HUD
guidelines, be a current Hart County resident (for our affiliate), and have a need for decent,
affordable housing,” Nixon said.
As for this 21 st Hart Habitat home, “We are so thankful to each and every person, company
and organization that had a hand in making today possible,” Nixon concluded.
Yolanda thanked the crowd with happy tears and a clutch of the family Bible presented to her
by the local affiliate.
Additionally, Nixon presented to attendees the next two selected partner homeowners, Rebecca Durrett and Brittany Harland. Their homes will be built side by side on Johnny St in
Hartwell. Fundraising efforts are under way through a unique Hart Habitat program called “The
Amazing Hartwell Housing Race,” Nixon said. Two teams of local women community leaders
are racing to secure donated contract labor and materials so that the homes can be built at the
same time.
“This is a challenge to us all to pool our resources and make a tremendous difference in the
lives of these two families,” Nixon pleaded. “So they don’t have to wait for years down the road
for their dedication services. If we each give what we can, the burden can be spread to a
manageable portion. We issue a huge thanks to everyone for their consideration and support
as our Housing Team members approach with a request.”
Other News
50/50 Raffle Fundraiser Results
We have successfully completed our 50/50 raffle fundraiser! The winning tickets belonged to Ms. Tammy Hutchinson and Ms. Gloria Brewer. Overall, we raised over $400 for HYDRA and the Hart Humane Society! We would like to thank everyone who helped support and participated in this event.
Church Liaisons Wanted
We are currently looking for volunteers who are willing to serve as a liaison between their church and the Hart County Habitat for Humanity! We are hoping to increase awareness about our events and activities, and our goal is to do this through our local churches and community. If you are interested in serving as a liaison, please contact us via our submission form located on the home page of this site, or through our email!
In Other News...
The Hart Habitat and Hartwell GICH (Georgia Initiative for Community Housing) partnership is celebrating the award of grant funds for the Rome/Richardson St Neighborhood Revitalization.
One federal CHIP grant for $400,000 is to assist low income families in the target community repair their existing homes to a more safe, and efficient place to live. In addition, the groups secured $4 million in grant funds from congressional budget appropriations to expand the neighborhood efforts. This will include facilities for community programs on top of additional repairs and new house builds.
Organizations, companies, churches etc can be a part of this historical task to lift up an entire community, including work to create the Barbara Linder Estate Community Garden.
One federal CHIP grant for $400,000 is to assist low income families in the target community repair their existing homes to a more safe, and efficient place to live. In addition, the groups secured $4 million in grant funds from congressional budget appropriations to expand the neighborhood efforts. This will include facilities for community programs on top of additional repairs and new house builds.
Organizations, companies, churches etc can be a part of this historical task to lift up an entire community, including work to create the Barbara Linder Estate Community Garden.
Volunteers Needed!
Friends of Hart Habitat, we are in need of volunteers! We currently have the opportunity to help deconstruct 2 local houses, and the materials will be donated to Hart Habitat! This includes cabinets, sinks, fixtures, siding, windows, doors, etc. If you can help, please contact us through our email listed on this site! Please let us know what days you might be available, weekdays or Saturdays. Thank you all in advance for your generosity with your time!
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Hart County Habitat for Humanity
P. O. Box 146, Hartwell, GA 30643
E-mail: information@harthabitat.org
706-376-3258
The Habitat for Humanity International web site contains more information on Habitat's history, mission, volunteer opportunities and contact information for other Habitat affiliates around the world.
P. O. Box 146, Hartwell, GA 30643
E-mail: information@harthabitat.org
706-376-3258
The Habitat for Humanity International web site contains more information on Habitat's history, mission, volunteer opportunities and contact information for other Habitat affiliates around the world.