Update from Habitat for Humanity following Feb. 10 Tornado | Community Spirit

Spring is always a busy season for the Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity and this one is no exception. Every spring Habitat for Humanity hosts volunteers from all over as part of its Collegiate Challenge program in affiliation with Habitat for Humanity International. Following the aftermath of the tornado, these volunteers are even more important to the work of Habitat for Humanity. While none of the 60 existing homes built by Habitat for Humanity sustained any damage, homes in the areas surrounding these Habitat houses were damaged or destroyed. These homes that were damaged or destroyed will create a need for more affordable housing and Habitat for Humanity is ready to accept the challenge. To build additional homes, Habitat for Humanity will need property to build on. If you would like to discuss a property donation to aid in the long term recovery process, please contact Habitat for Humanity.
Currently, the affiliate has two houses under construction- one on Mable Street in Hattiesburg and another on McInnis Street in Petal. The house under construction in Petal has a new sense of urgency. This house will belong to the Stevens family, victims of the Feb. 10 tornado who lost their apartment and all of their belongings. Habitat has been working with our community partners to meet the immediate needs of the Stevens family and they have since been relocated to another apartment. However, their new home through Habitat for Humanity will give them a sense of stability following such a devastating loss. The Stevens family has been a partner with Habitat for Humanity since 2010 and was already selected to receive the next home built in Petal.

Even prior to the tornado, seven groups from all over the country and Canada were scheduled to visit Hattiesburg and serve with Habitat for Humanity.  This week Habitat is hosting volunteers from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Over the next eight weeks, an additional six groups will be coming in to build with Habitat for Humanity.

If you are interested in helping support the work of Habitat for Humanity, please contact Lee Anne Venable, Resource Development Manager at 601-582-HOME orlvenable@hattiesburghabitat.org. 

You can also make your tax-deductible donation online!