While many churches across the state are building facilities to house their ministries, some are also reaching out to their surrounding communities by another form of building.
Churches in Calhoun Baptist Association, for instance, have partnered with Habitat for Humanity in an attempt to eliminate substandard housing in Anniston.
Because of an effort led by Habitat for Humanity of Calhoun County, Anniston was the fourth of more than 100 cities in the nation to commit to the 21st Century Challenge, a declaration to eliminate substandard housing by 2020.
Habitat for Humanity International Founder Millard Fuller told the more than 2,000 volunteers gathered for the 2003 Habitat for Humanity Jimmy Carter Work Project June 9–13 in Anniston that “substandard housing is morally, religiously, politically and socially unacceptable.”
Fuller said he believes building a few houses each year will not put an end to poverty — housing and communities have to address the whole problem by developing a comprehensive plan with attainable goals in a realistic timetable.
When the expected 270 volunteers arrive in Anniston July 12–19 for World Changers to repair almost 30 homes, they will not see Habitat for Humanity laborers, but the partnership will be apparent. “Habitat for Humanity of Calhoun County helped to screen the homeowners and select the homes. The cities of Anniston and Oxford provided funds for the projects,” said John Thomas, associate director of missions and World Changers project leader for Calhoun Association.
Ministering to families
“What is important is ministering to the families and helping in any way,” Thomas explained.
During the week of the project, 100 new homes were built in Anniston and in LaGrange and Valdosta, Ga.
Thomas contends there is a common ground between World Changers and Habitat for Humanity despite the distinct difference between the two organizations. “Habitat is geared for new homes whereas World Changers assists homeowners with repairs. We are going to come together this year and in future projects,” he said.
Part of the goal in Calhoun County is for families who own their homes to have year-round assistance.
“Partnerships with organizations like the Calhoun Baptist Association and Habitat for Humanity can make it happen,” Thomas said.
With Calhoun County’s 72 percent homeownership rate, Dana Van Ekris, director of Habitat for Humanity of Calhoun County, said they must try something new. “We have to look at demolition of existing structures, building new homes and remodeling existing homes. We have changed our attitude.”
Hoyt W. Howell Jr., Anniston mayor and Parker Memorial Baptist Church member, said he strongly supports World Changers and Habitat for Humanity.
“The common goal of eliminating substandard is one the City of Anniston is also committed to and one World Changers has helped us with in the past. Last year the efforts were greatly appreciated and this year even more so,” Howell said.
“Over 30 homes will be renovated to some degree in west Anniston, and World Changers will finish some of the work left undone,” Howell said. Anniston is also one of three cities in Alabama currently working with the National League of Cities on an affordable housing initiative.
Howell was among the laborers building and repairing homes in west Anniston during the Jimmy Carter Work Project (JCWP).
“The JCWP was an experience and opportunity to share the vision with others and to see the happiness of people helping their fellow man. Without question no one left the site untouched knowing God’s hand was at work in people’s hearts and minds,” Howell said. “When you share the sweat and tears you know God’s love is at work.”
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