Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County Begins Home Rehabilitation Project
Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County Begins Home Rehabilitation Project
Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County has started work on the rehabilitation of a home in Guyton. The original home was built by Habitat for Humanity in 2008 but has returned to the organization after the death of the original owner.
In the Habitat for Humanity world, rehabilitation means that a Habitat home has been repurchased by a Habitat affiliate at current market value to be repaired, updated and resold to a new partner family. This can happen when a homeowner forecloses, relocates or passes away before the mortgage is paid in full.
When a Habitat homeowner passes away, the home is part of the deceased’s estate. If a representative for the estate wants to sell the home rather than keep it, Habitat for Humanity has first rights to repurchase the home before it is put on the market. The previous homeowner’s family receives the funds left after the sale less whatever is owed on the original mortgage.
Partner families who receive a rehabilitated home still have to fulfill the same income requirements and sweat equity hours as a family receiving a newly constructed home.
“The home rehabilitation program allows homes that we have built in our community to remain true to the values of Habitat for Humanity, no matter what happens in the future,” says Jimmy Rutland, President/CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County. “Renovating an existing home allows another family in our community to benefit from attainable homeownership with an affordable mortgage.”
To date, the home at 815 Magnolia Street has gotten a new roof thanks to support from Patriot Pros Roofing and GAF Materials. The scope of work will also include replacing all windows and exterior doors, the HVAC system, floors, all plumbing fixtures, kitchen cabinets and appliances. The interior will also include repairs of walls and ceilings, door replacement and complete repainting along with other updates.
Volunteers are on the build site every Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. to complete these projects, and new volunteers are always welcome to join. Sign up for volunteer shifts and complete a volunteer waiver at habitatec.org.
