Troy University Habitat for Humanity gears up for new project

Sherman and Marquetta Williams’ new home is one of the many homes built by the Troy University and Troy-Pike Habitat for Humanity chapters.

The newly constructed house, completed this past June, is located on Fairview Avenue and is a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home.

The organization will be accepting homeowner applications at First United Methodist Church of Troy on Sept. 3 at 9 a.m. for the upcoming project.

According to the Habitat for Humanity website at habitat.org, “We build because we believe that everyone, everywhere, should have a healthy, affordable place to call home. More than building homes, we build communities, we build hope and we build the opportunity for families to help themselves.”

The Troy University chapter, led by President Mieah Johnson, a senior psychology major from Wetumpka, is active in helping the Troy-Pike County chapter raise money for ongoing and future projects.

According to Johnson, the Troy University Habitat for Humanity chapter has been partnering with the Troy-Pike County chapter in recent years.

Johnson said that the organization hopes to begin building a new home in the spring semester. Currently the Troy-Pike County chapter, with the help from the university chapter, is doing some “intensive fundraising” to raise money for the new home.

The organization will hold several fundraising events over the course of the year, including Troy University’s Recycle Day, which is to be held at Lowe’s on Oct. 29 from 8 a.m. to noon.

According to Johnson, Recycle Day provides the community with an opportunity to bring in paper, plastic, glass, etc. to be recycled. The Salvation Army is also present to collect unwanted clothes and furniture.

“Last year we raised around $800, which was the most in the past couple of years, so this year we want to raise $1,000 or more,” Johnson said.

The Troy-Pike County chapter, with the help of the university chapter, has built 14 houses and hopes to continue to provide houses for locals in need. Karen Ross, Troy-Pike Habitat Board affiliate and volunteer coordinator, discussed the organization’s goals.

“Ideally, we would like to build a house per year. Right now we’re averaging about one house every 18 months, so we’re getting there.”

According to Ross, both chapters are eager to see more people within the community become involved, including Troy University students.

“We would love to work with Troy University fraternities, sororities, clubs and honor societies, if they’re interested in fundraising projects or in building,” Ross said.

“Truthfully, none of us make it without help.”

The Troy University Habitat for Humanity chapter meets every first and third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in Trojan Center Room 224.

Both chapters can be found on Facebook as the “Troy-Pike Habitat for Humanity” and “Troy University Habitat for Humanity.”