Habitat for Humanity dedicates 66th home to the Miller family

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Houston County Habitat for Humanity dedicated their 66th home since 1991 this past Saturday, allowing LaToya Miller and her four boys a house of their own just in time for Christmas. The home is located on Orchard Way in Warner Robins.

Outfitted with a parking slab outside, some yard space, a storage shed out back, kitchen, bathroom and a laundry room, the four-bedroom home is a physical testament to the mission of Habitat, Development Director Jim Taylor said.

“It’s something we’re very proud of because over the years, since 1991, hers is the 66th house that we’ve finished,” Taylor said. “And with that, we’ve not had one foreclosure since 1991.”

Taylor also added that the home is located in a convenient place for the Miller family.

“What’s really neat with this [house] is she’s next door to her sister, who also has a Habitat house,” Taylor said. “It’s kind of putting the family together.”

Taylor explained the decision-making process behind these kinds of projects.

Recipients have to be able to prove they can pay a mortgage, live or work in Houston County for a year as well as provide a $1,000 down payment. For that, they can receive a 20-year no-interest mortgage, ranging from $450-600, including escrow.

Taylor said that the Habitat homes fill a need for affordable housing in Houston County, referencing the Middle Georgia-Robins Air Force Base Sustainability Plan.

“One of the things that the base is looking for, is adequate, safe, good affordable housing,” Taylor said. “And what we love about our program is, it’s a way to put people in a house — an affordable home — and they keep their dignity. They don’t feel like they’re getting a handout from somebody.”

He said if one makes $60,000 annually these days, they will likely run into trouble obtaining a mortgage.

“Our housing is affordable housing for working citizens in our community,” Taylor said. “It’s basically to get them back on their feet, maybe they’re down on their luck or maybe just inflation has driven homes out of the question for them — but Habitat is filling that void within our community … What better way than to put somebody in a house versus an apartment, and something where they have their own yard, a safe neighborhood and a good place for the kids to play.”

Houston County Habitat received $200,000 from the Governor’s Office this past year, $1 million from MacKenzie Scott, a $40,000 grant from Publix along with more to come.

“Because of that, we can build a house for around $70-75,000 in today’s market,” Taylor added.

He added local businesses are helping with the cause and providing donations to make these homes a reality, including roofing supplies, appliances and volunteers.

Taylor explained that this year in November, they had interested people come out to learn more about how they may qualify for a Habitat home. The 2022 orientation covering potential new homes for next year saw over 100 people.

“Twenty-five [people] submitted paperwork, and then with that, we’ll go through a vetting process,” Taylor said. “In January, we’ll announce who the next five homeowners will be … Our goal is to do five houses next year, with one being a veteran build.”

Around 30 people were present at the dedication Saturday, including Rep. Shaw Blackmon, crew members, donors, Habitat board members as well as local ministry members.

“Of course, we couldn’t do it without our sponsors, and they provide materials, volunteers and money in order for us to do it,” Taylor said.

Several more houses are in the works, including a January-February timeframe for one house, and another that was paid for in full by one of Habitat’s donors to be started in February. More homes will come following these projects.

HHJ News