Athens Area Habitat for Humanity has started the year off with a list of several projects in the community and is looking forward to an exciting Spring. Here's what's up.

20th Anniversary Celebration

Habitat has started preparation for it's 20th anniversary coming up in 2008. Habitat already has sponsors lined up for houses and is looking forward to celebrating it's birthday with an exciting build schedule and new projects. Stay tuned for updates.




Deconstruction

Habitat, through the effort of local volunteer groups, has recently managed to participate in a series of deconstruction projects on houses all throughout the community. The income generated from these projects will assist Habitat in the funding of future houses and projects.

Women's Build

Athens Area Habitat for Humanity has begun the planning stage for this year's Women's Build. A National effort, the Women's Build has always been wildly successful and highly regarded as one of the few construction sites in the country where men are not allowed. Past participants have included the nationally ranked Gym Dogs, Barbara Dooley, and Rep. Louise McBee.

Run/Walk for Home 5k

Athens Area Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with the Athens Homeless Shelter, are working around the clock to put together the 16th annual Run/Walk for Home 5k, which takes place in April. Both organizations took the helm to plan and execute this Athens racing tradition, which in the past has attracted up to 2000 runners! So let's all get together as a community and join in the fight to end poverty in Athens!

PR Committee

Habitat has a new committee of interns whose job it will be to handle PR for Habitat and oversee the filming of commercials for AAHFH. Habitat staff are seen here filming the Frog Commercial, which broadcasted in the Fall and was a huge success. Future projects for the PR Committee include the filming of another commercial and the jump-start of a billboard campaign, so stay tuned!

Madeleine Albright is happy to meet Jake Warren, Volunteer Coordinator, and Lindsey Walker, VISTA Resource Development Coordinator!

Representatives from Athens Area Habitat for Humanity attended the conference hosted by the University of Georgia this past weekend and were able to get seats at the town hall meeting where Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter fielded questions from UGA students and faculty. The former President and Mrs. Carter answered questions ranging in topic, from describing their humanitarian work to tackling controversial world issues. Habitat staff were also rewarded the opportunity of having their picture taken with former secretary of State Madeleine Albright after the ceremony.

Coldwell Does it Better

Representatives from Coldwell Banker spent last Saturday working on both the exterior and interior of the Casas house. The team worked on the side porch and with the installation of shelves in the interior closets. The dedicated group from Coldwell have been essential in keeping the build schedule running throughout these cold Winter months.

Habitat kicks off 2007

With 2007 already here, Habitat is looking forward to getting a head-start on all of the projects we have lined up for the next few months and for the Spring. From the beginning of the Building on a Dream house to the Lights, Labor and Love campaign, Habitat will have many events that will actively engage the community and bring all of us together in the goal of eliminating poverty housing in Athens-Clarke county. So everyone keeps their ears open and have a joyous New Year!