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‘I can’t believe it. It’s my house.’
Roof on Habitat house, work continues
Published Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friday was a fine day for Bessie Marshall.
When work began yesterday morning on Andalusia’s first Habitat for Humanity home, the slab of the Bagley Street home was as blank as an artist’s fresh canvas.
By 3 p.m., Bessie Marshall was sitting and resting in what will soon be her new living room and surveyed the newly dried-in house with its white doors and new windows.
“I just can’t believe it,” Marshall said. “When I drove by yesterday, all you could see were piles of wood. When I got here this morning, there really wasn’t a lot to see. Now, look, it’s my house. It’s so exciting. I can’t believe it. It’s my house.”
Marshall’s excitement can all be credited to the tremendous outpouring of support shown by the Andalusia community, said Dale “Flip” Pancake, president of HFHCC.
“We started the morning with the LBWCC baseball team raising the walls and the trusses,” Pancake said. “They were here to give us the muscle we needed to get things off right. We had volunteers from every portion of the city. (Southeast Alabama Gas District) sent a number of people out. There were skilled laborers and lots and lots and lots of volunteers.
“It was a wonderful day,” he said.
Marshall will occupy the four bedroom-two bathroom home with her daughter, Terri Townsend, and grandchildren, Jacard Townsend, an Andalusia High School sophomore, and 9-year-old twins, Iana and Ian Smith.
Lunch was provided by Church’s Chicken and served by the ladies of the Andalusia Pilot Club.
Shortly before lunch, the outer walls were in place. By the day’s 4 p.m. finish, the dried-in shell of a home stood – complete with interior walls, windows and doors and most importantly, roof decking – and with weather forecasts predicting an 80 percent chance of rain today, that’s one thing that will be needed.
But a little rain is not going to stop work at the Habitat site, Pancake said.
“We decided to hold off putting on any felt paper on the roof,” he said. “With the morning dew and condensation, we thought it might make things too slick to get shingles up and on before the rain. That’s our goal.
“And when the rain comes, there’s plenty of interior work to be done, so don’t let a little rain get in your way of volunteering,” he said.
Work will begin at 8 a.m. and finish at 4 p.m. A group from Ft. Rucker will also be on hand to lend their help, Pancake said.
“This home is coming along nicely,” he said. “It’s going to be a great thing to see when it’s finished.”
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit charitable organization that constructs houses for needy “partner families.” The houses are built from volunteer labor and the families own the house and pay a small mortgage fee, as well as help out with construction.
HFHCC is a 501(c)(3) organization, making donations tax-deductible. Donation checks should be made out to “Habitat for Humanity of Covington County” and sent to Habitat for Humanity of Covington County, P.O. Box 1034, Andalusia, AL 36420. In addition, HFHCC is now putting out a newsletter; to join the mailing list, write to the group’s address.
Those who wish to volunteer during Habitat’s upcoming building should contact the HFHCC office at 222-0827, or e-mail Katie King at kingkatief@gmail.com.
Comments
Posted by SouthernAttitude1 (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Are there no adult males in this family?
Posted by chopdoc (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SouthernAttitude, I read these comments occasionally and I see your user name alot. And without exception it's always related to a negative comment. I don't attempt to speak for anyone else when I say "if you don't have anything good to say about someone or something, just keep your copenhagen hole shut". If there are no adult males in the Marshall household maybe you can make yourself useful for once and volunteer to mow her grass.
Posted by concerned (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congrats Ms. Marshall, I know there must be no greater feeling in the world to know you have a house to live in that NOBODY can take away. I am so happy for you, our God will continue to bless you.
Posted by SouthernAttitude1 (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
so what chopdoc? i really don't care what you think. I posed the question and it was not meant to be negative towards the family getting the house. It was meant to be negative towards the so called man who is NOT in these kids lives. If he were doing the job he should be doing they would not be counting on assistance from someone else. I betcha the kids would like to have a good father around! Nuff said!
Posted by SouthernAttitude1 (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Another thing, chopdoc, you need to open your eyes and look around at the real world. If men do not stand by their families where does that leave the women and children? Just because things are not said does not mean that they don't exist. Live with it.
I will continue to state what I see as obvious facts. If you don't like what I say don't read my comments. There are certainly some I don't read and I have that right, just as you do, because it is STILL America, for now anyway.
Copenhagen? you are barking up the wrong tree.
Posted by winkie (anonymous) on November 22, 2009 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oooo kay..................Congrats Mrs Marshell. God is Good and so are some people. I am so happy for you and your family.
Posted by ToldYouSo (anonymous) on November 23, 2009 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Southern, You ask a valid question and even tho many others may not log-on here, they are asking the same. In addition, in a group of 18 adults over the weekend, EVERY single one wondered just how much "welfare" and "assistance" (both, tax monies) this household has drawn over the last many years??? No "bleeding heart" here.
Posted by Patty (anonymous) on November 23, 2009 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
way to go chopdoc. Laughed out loud at the thought of ole Southern mowing Bessie's yard.
Posted by mickey (anonymous) on November 23, 2009 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What I want to know is how many poor white families has Habitat for Humanity helped? Does anyone know?
Posted by WAtidefan (anonymous) on November 23, 2009 at 6 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The first house in CC was build in Opp. The family consists of two parents and two children. There were several articles in the ASN about the project.
Posted by WAtidefan (anonymous) on November 23, 2009 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
According to the Habitat website, each family must provide a down payment, put in hours of sweat equity in helping build other houses as well as their own and pay a mortgage. So, the house isn't free. I seem to remember that the family also attends classes to learn budgeting and better money management. I have watched several TV shows documenting Habitat builds and most all are owners are single moms with multiple children. In one episode, the father of the prospective home owner helped build.
This family must have met the requirements and I am proud of them and for them. Time will tell if they are able to maintain the property and make the mortgage payments.
Posted by mickey (anonymous) on November 23, 2009 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So, I guess anyone could qualify for a habitat home..as long as you can make the down payment and make the mortgage payments..heck, that sounds like a deal. My question is why on earth would you consider these people in need of help?
Posted by snowflake (anonymous) on November 23, 2009 at 8:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So I guess all would be well if this family was white. You sit here and judge people as if you know them. You don't know what trails and tribulations has come upon this family.
for ToldYouSo I'm sure you have someone in your family reaping the same benefits such as "welfare" and "assistance" so be quite.
Posted by WAtidefan (anonymous) on November 23, 2009 at 9:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mickey: I am not associated with Habitat but, no not everyone would qualify. Why don't you contact Dale and inquire about an application? It stands to reason that he would know the requirements. I would think this family met the requirements just like the family in Opp did. Interesting that I didn't see any comments like these associated with the articles about that family. If you will read the article Habitat is a non profit. If you don't like what they do, don't make any contributions to the organization and don't volunteer. My biggest complaint about the organization is that they are associated with Jimmy Carter (the worthless one).
My point in the 6:13 post was that the house is not free. It is not welfare which, by the way, I despise.
Posted by wikked (anonymous) on November 23, 2009 at 9:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I happen to enjoy southern attitudes posts, keep em coming.I work very hard to earn a living, had the self control to not have a bunch of children that i couldnt afford.I have two.I have had hard times, but they always were temporary because i fought my way back.I never was a drain on society.all it takes is hard work and perserverence, period.
Posted by WAtidefan (anonymous) on November 23, 2009 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SouthernAttitude1: I find it fascinating that you didn't ask the same question about the families that will eat the Thanksgiving meal provided by ACORN that you asked of this family. Should they turn women and children away if they are not escorted by an adult male?
I do not support welfare and government assistance for those who "breed like rats" with no regard for themselves or the children. They are,as wikked posted, a drain on society. However, if a non profit organization or a church wants to offer assistance why should I complain about it?
Posted by katelynnkatelynn (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 1:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MS BES I'M SO PROUD FOR YOU .I USE TO WORK WITH YOU YEARS AGO . AND I KNOW WHAT A HARD WORKER YOU WERE . AND HOW GOOD YOU WERE TO PEOPLE AT THE HOSPITAL AND THE NURSEING HOME . AND I THINK GOD IS BLESSING YOU BECAUSE YOU WERE A BLESSING TO ALOT OF PEOPLE. SO IT GOSE TO SHOW KINDNESS PAYS OFF IN THE END.GOD BLESS YOU AND GOOD LUCK IN YOUR NEW HOME ENJOY IT.
Posted by HumanOnEarth (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 6:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We're all a drain on society ... except when we die and contribute our being back to the earth
Posted by mickey (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 7:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
so, how many WHITE people has Habitat helped, how many Native Americans, Latinos? And if these people can afford a mortgage payment and down payment..then why didn't they get a double wide?
Posted by bamafootball (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ms Bessie, I'm sure Northside Baptist Church(right across the street) would love to have you and your family if you're in search for a church to attend. Actually, Northside would love to have anyone come in and worship with them and their new pastor.
Posted by winkie (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I know how Habitat works and am proud for the Lady and her family who have qualified. "Thank you all" who give your time and assistance to help those who try to help themselves.
Posted by biscuitsandhoovergravy (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does anyone know if there will be a "house warming" for the family? It would be nice if there were a list of things needed for the household.
Posted by ToldYouSo (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I do not criticize the "bleeding hearts" who choose to feed, clothes, and house generations of welfare receipients, but I repeat the question: How much taxpayer's monies have these generations of individuals drawn from the "public trough" and are they continuing to do so? I suspect that any trivial amount of "mortgage payments" will come from our tax money. That makes it my business. Personally, I choose to help those who help themselves.
Posted by WAtidefan (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am about as far from a "bleeding heart" as one can get. I suggest those of you who are so concerned to contact Habitat and see what the qualifications are. I plan to do the same. Do you know for a fact that this family is on welfare? If you have that information, without a shadow of doubt, then share it. Apparently from an earlier post, Miss Bessie worked. Who are you helping, ToldYouSo. Please enlighten us.
Posted by SouthernAttitude1 (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ToldYouSo, when you say others are asking the same questions about the people getting the jimmy carter houses, I know you are correct. There are only a few willing to speak those questions out loud. It's not politically
correct, you know.
wikked, it is interesting that you like what I post. Most think I am too outspoken, so be it. From what I read you are a self-starter and refuse to give up. You make your own way and don't expect handouts. Thanks for being one who still takes pride in doing for yourself.
WAtidefan, I am all for feeding people, have done so many times when others could not afford it for themselves. On the other hand, I am not going to give them a house at a reduced rate for the rest of their lives. It is one meal not groceries for life.
Finally, Patty, as soon as you are done mowing my yard, and you do such a good job on it, you can mow Miss Bessie's. Wouldn't want to take any work from you.
Posted by mickey (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am all for helping folks out..but I still fail to see why this family needs help. They have money saved back for a down payment, money for mortgage payments..so, why do they need this program? I have a friend whose family..three adults and I child, that still live in a two room trailer..all of the adults work, but don't make enough to buy a house..and I have never heard them complain.
Posted by biscuitsandhoovergravy (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This may sound like a simplistic answer to some of the questions posted here...but if you have a need or know someone who has a need and meet the rather modest qualifications, make an application.
Maybe you can be the next to recieve this blessing.
Posted by WAtidefan (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mickey: Maybe the family you know should contact Habitat to see if they can qualify. If they consider themselves too proud, then so be it.
SouthernAttitude1: If Habitat families are not on welfare, are not receiving food stamps, etc. then you are not giving them anything. Habitat is non profit. It is not supported by government hand outs. Property taxes are not waved.
I am attempting to get specific information from Habitat. If I am wrong about the requirements, then I will admit it.
Posted by mickey (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 6:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think you might have misunderstood me..this is not sour grapes..this is a legitimate question. Why does this family need your help? How many white people are accepted through the program? I have search the net..and have yet to see anything that tells me the percentages of ownership in this program.
Posted by biscuitsandhoovergravy (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 6:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Click on the links below to read very detailed and informative material from Habitat.
http://www.habitat.org/how/myths.aspx
http://www.habitat.org/how/factsheet.asp...
Posted by mickey (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Been there, read it..it DOES NOT tell you the percentages of white people that are in the program nor how many black, latino, asians..etc. that are volunteers in the program.
Posted by biscuitsandhoovergravy (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
From the links I mentioned.
"Myth: Only African Americans get Habitat for Humanity homes.
Fact: Habitat builds houses in partnership with those in need regardless of race, religion or any other difference. Prospective homeowners must meet three criteria: need; ability to repay the mortgage; and a willingness to partner with Habitat. Statistically, 33 percent of Habitat homeowners are Anglo and 67 percent are people of color."
Posted by mickey (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There it is! Thanks! Literally, in black and white. Now, for the volunteers..got a statistic for that?
Posted by andytransplant (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, there ya go mickey. Gravy got your answer for you. But not sure why it makes a difference what color the people being helped are. In the end, I don't think the Lord cares what color we helped.
Posted by SouthernAttitude1 (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WAtidefan, per Andalusia Star news, January 28 2009, "Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit charitable organization that constructs houses for needy “partner families.” The houses are built from volunteer labor and the families own the house and pay a small mortgage fee, as well as help out with construction."
A SMALL morgage fee. "help out with construction", what jobs are the families in Covington County, any family, doing per se in the construction of the houses besides riding by and seeing progress?
My son is in the process of purchasing a home and you can rest assured it is not a small mortgage fee! He works very hard for his money and no reduction was made to him for his efforts.
If you don't earn it, you don't get it. I just don't see the need to keep bailing people out. Period!
Posted by Shamrock (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm hoping some of these comments have to do with their distrust of Jimmy Carter and his liberal politics, rather than race or status.
Ms. Bessie has given of herself for the sick and the elderly. What more could she have done?
I hope none of the negative comments reach her. Let her love and gratitude for the volunteers, be her joy.
Posted by SouthernAttitude1 (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You can bet your bottom dollar much of it has to do with peanut head. He was an embarrasment to this country and an insult to our military. Anything he stands for or is promoting I am dead set against it. His ideals are not mine. He only did the habitat to promote himself.
As far as the older lady goes, I do wish her the best. It seems she has helped people along the way. I just hope the younger, able people in her household are helping in the building of what will become their home, as required by the guidelines.
I hope they appreciate what they will have and not take it for granted beacuse it doesn't come at the high cost most of the rest have to pay.
This also goes for the first family to get a jimmy house. I hope they are doing their part and helping build this house.
Posted by HumanOnEarth (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 11:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't know what the big fuss is about color - or helping out those less fortunate. Do we fuss about helping our kids ? Our neighbors? Jesus would be sad at some of the attitudes displayed via these comments.
Posted by mickey (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 6:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This woman's face was on the front page of the paper..we know her name, the people in her household and what grade her grandchild is in and what school she attends and you are hoping she won't hear negative comments? And who are you "Human on Earth" to be telling anyone what Jesus might think? Do you have HIS personal ear? As far as the woman being "less fortunate"..less fortunate than who? Seems to me like she is a hard working woman who has the money to make a down payment and to make mortgage payments. Where is she living now? And let's be real..how many people would volunteer to help unless they got a tax credit and recognition for the good works they did. I think this woman is being used to make some people feel good..and put a few bucks in their pocket.
Posted by thugg4life (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 7:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
people, its Thanksgiving....
Give thanks to the Lord for how much you have and help your neighbor.
Posted by HumanOnEarth (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 7:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't have Jesus's ear. Just what he said in the good book.
Posted by mickey (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 7:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Jesus said to help the poor..not build them a new house.
Posted by SouthernAttitude1 (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 7:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Can't stand my neighbor. She is nothing but a busy body gossip about everyone in the community. The only thing I would do to help her is pack her bags and be THANFKUL she was gone.
mickey, you make a valid point about the few bucks in the pocket and the self serving good deeds to pump their own self up.
May everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving with the ones you love and not have to encounter unwanted guests. I hope all of your tables are full.
See, I can be nice ..... sometimes!
Posted by gladtobefromandy (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have to put my 2 cents in.. This lady is getting a new house. Im sure she was struggling everyday with the house she had... but leave it to the people that come on this newspaper to say something negative. Its ridiculous. The people that made mean comments.. Your rude. Why say something mean about this? Are you bored? Go take a look at the greenville paper. hardly never does anyone say anything rude on it. leave to the snobby people of Andalusia to say something horrible. I sure hope this woman doesn't get on this andy newspaper. It would really hurt her feelings. GTFU PEOPLE!!
Posted by blogwatcher (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 10:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have a real problem with all this. I am a business owner, that employs about 43 people. I get about 31 welfare, food stamp, exempt housing forms per month. Thing about it is....I CAN'T GET THESE PEOPLE TO WORK!! If you drop their hours they complain..."I need more hours"....."but I also need this and this and this day OFF! And God have mercy if you don't compy...they send a complaint to
EEOC or NAACP. Geez yall what happened to working for what you get or have?
Posted by SouthernAttitude1 (anonymous) on November 26, 2009 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
blogwatcher, fire them all and post the qualifications required to work for your company. Let them know they are required to be on the job so many days per year. Once used up, tough. Keep the people you hire that will work and those wanting time off too often boot their butts out the door quickly. Say 3 instances? Alabama is an employment at will state. If people don't show up for work you can't run your business and you don't make money. They are still getting their food stamps and who knows what other side income.
I would start with the laziest and replace one by one. All new faces and let them know they will tow the line or be out the door. Keep your rules posted on the walls as a constant reminder. Reward the loyal employess. You are their employer, not their friend.
I have seen people on buswapsell.com begging for work of any kind. Some in society just want money handed to them and expect people like you and me to give it to them while they put as little effort as possible into earning that money.
There are many people willing to work. Unfortunately the slackers have applied to your business.
Posted by mickey (anonymous) on November 26, 2009 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We've become a nation of "entitlements" instead of a nation of independent people..look, there is nothing morally wrong with being poor. My family are some of those "working poor". We don't have a fine house, we drive clunkers..but the kids are fed and they are happy because they have been brought up to believe a person's worth is not measured by material things but what they contribute to society by being good people. I have nothing against welfare or food stamps or public housing..wished my grandparents could have gotten all three. But I do see how have these government programs has taken away the responsibility from the person, the community, the churches to have a better life. I never have to worry about any of my kids not working..they don't ever want to go hungry..which they actually did when WE received food stamps.
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