Ready the paintbrushes – it’s nearly painting time at the newest Covington County Habitat for Humanity house, said Dale Pancake, chapter executive director.

However, before donning painting clothes, Pancake reminded residents about the family selection meeting set for today at the Andalusia Public Library’s Dixon Room from 10 a.m. until noon.

There, residents will have one more opportunity to qualify for a new home, he said.

“We didn’t have as much response as we would have liked at previous meetings in February, so we’re doing it again,” Pancake said.

To qualify, families must meet certain guidelines, including income, one’s actual housing need based on the suitability of one’s current home; the willingness to partner with Habitat and one’s ability to repay the mortgage loan.

Families must work at least 100 “sweat equity hours” at a Habitat site, and since there is only one other upcoming build in the works, new families are needed, he said.

Applications will not be handed out and must be filled out on site, he said. Applicants must bring two months of pay stubs, all monthly bills such as power, cell phone, etc., and two months of bank statements.

HFH is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization dedicated to building simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with people in need. To date, the local chapter has constructed three homes – one in Opp, Andalusia and Florala. The fourth is located near CCB Community Bank at the corner of College and Oak streets. Volunteers are asked to mark their calendars for April 13 as the “big painting day.”

“We really need folks to volunteer,” Pancake said. “We’ve got to do one coat of primer and two coats of wall paint and ceiling paint. It’s a great opportunity for groups, or anyone for that matter, to give back.

“It’s a lot of fun, and importantly, there’s no skill required,” he said.

Those with groups wishing to volunteer are asked to contact Kylan Lewis at 334.343.2299.