“It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home.” – Anonymous
Amber Wall and her family of five kids received the keys to their new Habitat for Humanity home in Hamlet on Wednesday.
In a ceremony attended by more than 30 people — including Habitat Executive Director Amie Fraley, Habitat Director of Programs Farrah Newman, Michelle Morrison Parish of the United Way of Richmond County, Vagas Jackson of the Richmond County Tax Office, Abby Covington of the Hamlet City Council and Ed Kaylor, who was a construction team member and was responsible for many facets of the building Wall’s house — Fraley welcomed everyone to the celebration.
“Welcome to Amber’s front porch party,” said Fraley. “We are so excited to be here celebrating with Amber and her family.
“Back in September, we had 93 volunteers come out for the United Way Day of Caring and who stayed for the entire weekend who worked to get things going at this site.”
To qualify for the program, potential homeowners — who likely wouldn’t qualify for a traditional mortgage — have to be between 30-60% of the county’s median income and a debt-to-income ratio lower than 43%, according to Fraley.
In addition to taking monthly classes on how to be a homeowner, recipients must also contribute “sweat equity,” either by volunteering on another Habitat builds or in the ReStore.
Wall said that she is excited about moving into her new house.
“One of my kids was able to make it to be with us today,” said Wall. “All of the rest are still in school. My kids are excited about the back yard and they want a safe place to play and grow. I’m excited about putting rocking chairs on my new front porch.”
This is the latest build from Habitat for Humanity of the N.C. Sandhills in Richmond County, bringing the total since 2005 to 18.
Wall’s home is also one of several in the Briarwood neighborhood.
A year ago, Habitat dedicated a home on Rosemont Avenue and the 2018 Women Build project was at the corner of Curtis Avenue and North Street. Last year, Fraley said there were plans to build at a lot on Brantley Avenue.
“This year we’ll also invest over a half of a million dollars on the new house builds and the critical repairs throughout the county,” said Fraley.
To learn how to apply for a Habitat home, repairs or to volunteer, visit sandhillshabitat.org, or call 910-295-1934.
William R. Toler contributed to this story.
