Georgia-Pacific Helps Make Habitat for Humanity Home a Reality

Habitat for Humanity of Angelina County is putting the finishing touches on another new home for an area family in need.  According to Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Susan Robertson, the new home was built in about 6 months, thanks to area volunteers who invested countless number of hours to make the home a reality.

Urica Powell, the recipient of this latest endeavor, worked alongside the volunteers and contributed more than 400 hours of sweat equity.

“It’s important that our partner families participate in every step of the process.  Whether it is painting, installing tile and floors, floating wallboard or participating in financial and maintenance classes for first time homeowners, our partner families are truly involved from the beginning to the end and beyond,” said Robertson.

Georgia-Pacific is proud to be one of the contributing partners to help make Ms. Powell’s home a reality.  The local building products company recently donated funds to help construct the new home.

In the photo above, Pat Aldred, Vice President & General Manager of Composite Panels  for Georgia-Pacific and Susan Robertson, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Angelina County, checks out the new custom kitchen cabinets in the newest Habitat home.

“For almost 90 years, Georgia-Pacific has been an integral part of the communities we call home,” said Yana Ogletree, Georgia-Pacific Public & Government Affairs Manager.  “We realize the importance of creating value for our community and supporting organizations like Habitat that make us stronger together.”

Ms. Powell is preparing to move into her new 1,260 square foot home, which is complete with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, walk-in closets, and granite countertops.  But Ms. Powell is not the only one excited about the move.  Her daughter will have her very own bedroom for the first time.  And with the open living concept and oversized doorways, Ms. Powell’s elderly mother will join Ms. Powell and her daughter in the new home.

Since its inception, Habitat for Humanity of Angelina County has built homes for over 20 low-income families. The organization constructs new homes for families in need and provides mortgage servicing where Habitat finances and manages each partner family’s mortgage, taxes, and home insurance.

“Through the Habitat program, families receive a home that is safe and affordable, with no closing costs or down payment, low or no interest, and pay off the loan over a 20-year period through affordable monthly payments,” said Robertson.