Habitat for Humanity Aims for 1,000 New Homes Along Gulf Coast

Habitat for Humanity, the 16th largest home builder in the country, plans to have built 1,000 homes along the Gulf Coast by mid-summer 2007.

It’s just the latest in a series of Gulf Coast affordable housing initiatives.

In less than four months, two homes have been constructed on empty lots in Gautier and the Habitat construction crews have already started building three more homes in the area. On Saturday, Rebecca Borden and Becky Johnson became first-time homeowners as part of the Habitat for Humanity partnership program.

“These properties in Gautier were owned by another construction company and when they fell apart Habitat for Humanity bought all of them and we are building these homes from start to finish to make them a home for someone,” said Latan Griffin, president of the Jackson County Habitat for Humanity organization.

Becky Johnson, mother of six, and Rebecca Borden, mother of two, were both living with family members in Jackson County before this week and have never owned their own home.

“I have always lived with family or rented,” Johnson said. “This is very exciting for us.”

South Mississippi Habitat affiliates have seen a dramatic increase in construction efforts due to the $125 million in donations since the hurricane. Habitat for Humanity in South Mississippi has received a mandate stating that they must build 500 homes in Jackson and Harrison counties within a three-year period.

Individuals may need to apply for a bad credit mortgage loan in order to afford the housing - but at least it will be there.

After Katrina, Habitat launched Operation Home Delivery, a program to help displaced, low-income families in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The operation is a part of the organization’s long-term commitment to these areas.