This past Sunday, affiliates with Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Alabama met with a group of more than 50 local people to discuss their upcoming plans and vision for their new coverage area and how people in Franklin County can help.

Formerly known as Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, the organization officially changed their name to Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Alabama in order to expand their coverage area to cover the counties of Franklin, Fayette, Lamar, Marion and Winston counties.

Habitat board member David Cooper told those present at Sunday’s information meeting that the decision to expand was something they felt was necessary in order to serve a larger range of people.

“Habitat of Marion County assisted several families who were affected by the April 27, 2011, tornado in Franklin County and in Hackleburg,” Cooper said.

“Because Franklin County didn’t have a Habitat affiliate at the time, we were allowed by Habitat International to build two houses in Phil Campbell for families who met our criteria and who had a great need.

“Through those events and seeing that their were surrounding area who needed a Habitat affiliate, we decided to expand our coverage area, and now we’re trying to go out into these communities and educate the people on who we are, what we’re about, and how they can be a big part of what we do.”

Cooper said there were several myths that he and others associated with Habitat try to dispel, especially when they come into a new area where people might not be as familiar with their organization or their services.

“One of the biggest myths is that we just give away houses, and that is not true,” he said.

“We don’t give anyone a house – they have to be able to pay for the house by paying back the mortgage and they have to partner with us to work on the house and fulfill other requirements.”

Another myth Cooper said they often hear is that Habitat houses will lower the property value in an area where they are placed.

“This is most definitely not true,” Cooper said.

“Habitat houses are generally somewhere in the $75,000 to $90,000 range in value. The are three bedroom, two bathroom homes that are built to be energy efficient and a quality home.

“The houses we build at Habitat of Northwest Alabama also include a large master closet that doubles as a safe room for severe weather, which is a very attractive feature, so in no way is a Habitat home a drain on property values.”

Cooper said their mission is to eliminate substandard housing in Northwest Alabama and to make simple, decent, affordable housing a matter of conscience for all.

But achieving this mission, he said, is something that takes the work and support of each community.

“The purpose of today is to educate the community leaders, the businesses, the churches and other groups and individuals on how they can be an active part of Habitat,” he said.

“There is a lot that can be done. Habitat can use help in the form of monetary donations, home sponsorships, donated land for our houses to be built on, tools and meals and drinks for volunteers.

“We can also use volunteers of all kinds. We need skilled and unskilled workers who can assist with home builds, we need volunteers to help in the office, and, even though our active builders must be 18 years old or older, we can use younger workers for painting and landscaping projects or other volunteer opportunities.

“There really is something for everyone to be involved in who wants to be.”

Cooper said volunteers are also needed for the Ramps and Rails program that helps install handicap accessible ramps and railings for people in need and for the A Brush with Kindness program that helps with minor repairs at homes of those in need.

Elaine Malmquist, a member of North Highlands Church of Christ where the informational meeting was held, helped organize the event because she knows from first-hand experience how beneficial the organization can be.

“We have worked with Habitat through our youth group and I have just always been impressed with what they stand for and believe in,” she said.

“You can just see their willingness to work with those in need and they do all they can to help.”

Anyone interested in getting involved with Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Alabama through donations or volunteerism can contact resource director Teresa Clark at 205-412-0501 or at www.nwalhabitat.org.