Revitalizing a Neighborhood

The Macon Area Habitat for Humanity affiliate has partnered with the city of Macon, Georgia, to try to revitalize the Lynmore Estates neighborhood, a tract of houses built after World War II for newly urbanized, first-time homebuyers.  During the 1990s, many of the original homeowners died, leaving properties vacant or selling them to absentee landlords.  The most recent census figures reveal a current population of minorities that is predominantly African-American.  Forty-one percent of the adults living here have less than a high school or equivalency diploma.  It is estimated that 35.8 percent live below the poverty line with a median income of $29,500.  This is the pocket of poverty where Tim and I have been working to complete two homes in the final stages of construction.

When finished, these will raise the number of Habitat houses built in the neighborhood to over 30 homes.

This was an unusual build for us because our Care-A-Vanner group was so small.  It was supposed to number three rigs.  However, one couple had to cancel due to health issues.

Ron

So that left a work crew composed of Ron, Tim and I.

Alicia and Mike

We were ably supervised by Alicia and Mike, the two MAHFH site managers.

Ron and Tim installed the fascia on the eaves of the two roofs.

Alicia showed me how to construct the stairs leading up to the entrances.  I had little opportunity to snap photographs, so focused were we on getting as much done as possible before the two weeks were up, but our additional tasks were to install the subflooring and doors including the doorknobs and jams.  And my favorite task--painting said doors and doorframes.  More needs to be done, but when we leave Macon tomorrow, we'll do so knowing that two more families will soon have a decent place to live.