HALE COUNTY- One of the newest chapters of Habitat for Humanity was recently chartered in Hale County, Alabama.

“The community wanted a Habitat branch,” Pam Dorr, director of the Hale County Housing Resource Center, said. “And we just got approval for the affiliate name.”

Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has built or renovated more than 140,000 low-cost homes with the help and involvement of families in need across the United States and in over 80 other countries around the world.

But, there are families in Hale County who need support and help from the community.

According to a 2000 Census, there are 1,030 families, or 4,531 individuals who live in poverty, and 585 of those are senior citizens.

This is why citizens of Hale County wanted and needed Habitat.

In order for Habitat to build its first home in Hale County, it must first raise $35,000. That is where the community comes in.

An anonymous donor has offered to match the total donations given between July 15 and September 15, 2005.

“Right now we have about 52 percent of the amount needed,” Dorr said.

Any amount is appreciated, but to become a Habitat associate, you must give at least $25 dollars. To become a helper give $50, a friend, $100, a patron, $500, a donor $1,000, a sponsor, $2,500, a visionary, $5,000, a benefactor, $10, 000, and a founder $35,000.

According to Dorr, applications to apply for a Habitat home will be available in the next 60 days.

“If the applicant has family property, we can build there,” she said. “And we have a piece of land we can use for building.”

The Hale Habitat is planning to begin construction of it’s first home in October and is encouraging local business and churches to support and participate.

Dorr said the Habitat board is excited to begin construction and hopes to build at least 12 houses in a year.

Donations can be made out to HFHI in person at 1120 Main Street or can be mailed to Gift Processing, HFHI 121 Habitat Street, Americus Georgia 31709. Note the donations for Habitat for Humanity Hale Co.