Lauderdale Co Habitat for Humanity

“When the waters rise, so do our better angels”—President Jimmy Carter

Ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things.  There are seven virtues that personify the people who work with Habitat for Humanity:  kindness, community, empowerment, joy, respect, generosity, and service.  In times of need, we often see how good the world can be and how much power we the people have, to create the world we want and need if we work together. 

Habitat for humanity originated in 1942, with the idea of developing partnership housing for people in need.  Habitat would be a construction company and a mortgage company.  The best way of helping low-income people was to offer them a partnership.  The home owners would work together with community volunteers to build or repair a house.  The family would put in so many hours of ‘sweat equity’, 100 hours working on their own houses and the rest working for Habitat.  That work would include working on other houses, fundraising, office work and other manual labor.  To qualify for Habitat services, an application is completed and returned along with other required documents.  The family services committee performs credit and background checks and schedules visits with potential homeowners to determine their needs.  They must show the need for a house and the ability to pay for the house.

The Meridian Habitat for Humanity was affiliated in 1989 by Mrs. Francis Long.  She had a heart for decent shelter for the people in Meridian.  The focus; those who are in need – those who are low-income, elderly, disabled, veterans - who need a helping hand with a place to live.  “The people that we get to meet and help are always so thankful for everything that is being done to help.  They get so excited about their homes or repair work completed.  It makes us feel good to know that we have helped someone,” says Monica Bradley, Executive Director. 

The homes are not FREE.  There is a mortgage – the family purchases the home and has a monthly payment.  Construction and rehab follow all the rules and laws that any other construction company has to follow.  And all homes are built or rehabbed with quality materials.  All projects depend on the donations and volunteers here in the Meridian/Lauderdale County area.  “Being a member of the Chamber helps Habitat for Humanity by giving us connections and learning opportunities with other businesses in town,” continues Monica.

President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn are continual sponsors of Habitat for Humanity both financially and putting in the hard hours, working on the houses.   He said, “When the waters rise, so do our better angels”, speaking of the idea of neighborly coexisting.  “In the face of a crisis, all the differences between us disappear and we come together to help one another.”    

Habitat for Humanity gives a hand UP, not a hand OUT.

There are always those in need of help.  There are always those in a position to offer it.

Lauderdale Co Habitat for Humanity
1001 29th Ave., Meridian, MS