HAMLET – Helping hands in Hamlet are having a positive impact on the community.
Habitat for Humanity was an idea of Millard and Linda Fuller. They wanted to help families have a place to call home. They tested their idea during a trip to Zaire, Africa, and in three years they had built 120 homes. Upon returning to America in 1976, Habitat for Humanity was born. Habitat is currently in over 1,400 communities in the United States, and 70 countries worldwide.
One of those communities is right here in Richmond County. The local Habitat for Humanity of the Sandhill’s recently built a home on Oakland Avenue in Hamlet. During the dedication on October 5, there was a chili cook off and Frankie Moree, member of the band Dark Horse, played during the celebration.
Habitat has built 14 homes in Richmond County, averaging one a year. Amie Fraley, Habitat for Humanity of the Sandhill’s director, hopes to increase this in the coming years to two homes each year. A new build, on Green Lake Road in Rockingham, starts this Saturday, October 14.
Fraley says there are a lot of ways to get involved with Habitat.
“Habitat accepts monetary donations and proceeds from purchases at local ReStores go toward building homes for families in need,” Fraley said. “Habitat Restores, located in Rockingham and Aberdeen, accept donations of items. Those items are then sold, with all proceeds going to Habitat.”
The Rockingham ReStore recently received a facelift and a new manager, Amy Guinn. This has brought in more items for sale. Fraley invites community members to stop by, shop, and check out the changes that have been made.
Habitat Homeowners and other community members also assist with raffles and fundraisers to help raise money for Habitat as well. One homeowner has even started a raffle with several monetary prizes. All the money from the raffle will be donated to Habitat.
Farley notes that nothing would be possible without the efforts of all the volunteers.
“Many people in the community volunteer to help with the ReStore and with the home builds,” Fraley stated. “Others come from all around the country. Bob Hamer brought a group from many states for two weeks to assist with the Hamlet build.”
Fraley took the time to thank the community for their involvement, their donations, and their time, both in front of and behind the scenes. The combination of community support and volunteers are what makes it possible to build a house and make it someone’s home.
For those who would like to get involved or donate items to your local ReStore, check the sandhillshabitat.org website for information on local builds. Or contact Rosemary Weber, the volunteer manager, at rweber@sandhillshabitat.org or (910) 295-1934.
