Myth: Habitat houses allow people to move from poverty to fancy new houses.

Truth: Any newly built house is going to be a dramatic change for a family that has been living in a shack, hut or rundown apartment.  But Habitat houses are not extravagant by any standard.  Habitat's philosophy is to build simple, decent houses.  Under house design criteria approved by Habitat for Humanity International's board of directors, living space in a three bedroom house, for example is not to exceed 1,050 square feet.  The average cost in the United States of a three-bedroom Habitat house is approximately $59,000.

Myths and Truths from Habitat for Humanity International Headquarters

Columbus Lowndes Habitat for Humanity will be starting construction on a home for Wilda and Stevie Minor.  Wilda, Stevie’s mother, is full-time caregiver for her son who was injured in an accident 14 years ago.  While watching a football game at the Magnolia Bowl, he fell off of the wall and injured his spine.  In that instant, he became a quadriplegic and has had to depend on others to take care of him.   

When Wilda became Stevie’s full time caregiver, she knew that her home would present challenges for them both.  None of the doorways were wide enough for a wheelchair; the bathroom had no handicap accessible shower, and the only room that was large enough for his lift was the living room.  Due to the lack of space and narrow doorways, her son has to live, sleep and eat in that one room. 

In their new home, they are looking forward to wide doorways so Stevie can go from room to room.  He is also looking forward to his new roll-in shower.  The luxury of space and privacy will enlarge Stevie’s life and give him more independence. 

Future Builds: Wilson Family Home

Columbus Lowndes Habitat for Humanity will soon break ground on the largest house and the most ambitious project in the nineteen year history of the organization in Lowndes County.  This home will be built for the family of David and Lee Wilson.  David and Lee were the parents of six children up until about a year ago.  While visiting his mother in Georgia they were asked to attend a meeting at the Department of Family and Children Services concerning David’s brother and his eight children.  The children had been placed in foster care due to the abuse and neglect of their birth parents.  All of the children have problems related to alcohol and drug abuse during the pregnancy.  Even during foster care, there was abuse.   David and Lee had to make a quick decision.  In order to keep the children together, they decided to become their legal guardians.  Today they are in the process of adopting these eight children.  

David is a USAF veteran.  Our goal is to have them in their new home by late summer2009.  In order to do this, we need sponsors to help fund this home and volunteers to help build it.  We invite you to be a part of this historical event.