“Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity (VLCHFH) has
established the following procedures to encourage the use of
Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (MBE/WBE) in accordance with
the Georgia Department of Community Affair’s HOME Program to provide
affordable housing in our community.
To the
maximum extent possible, MBE/WBE will be included in all contracts into
which VLCHFH enters related to the provision of affordable housing under
the HOME program. When economically feasible, VLCHFH will divide total
requirements into small tasks and quantities to permit the maximum
participation by MBE/WBE. When economically feasible, VLCHFH will
establish delivery schedules which encourage MBE/WBE participation in
HOME programs."
Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for
Humanity is a nonprofit ecumenical Christian housing
ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in
our community. Our mission is “to create stable
neighborhoods and communities with God’s people in the
Valdosta-Lowndes County area.”
The affiliate was founded in 1987 on the
conviction that every man, woman and child should have a
simple, decent, affordable place to live regardless of
race, religion, or background. Sponsored by several
community churches, the first Habitat home in Valdosta
was built in 1988. In June of 2004, Valdosta-Lowndes
County Habitat dedicated its 100th home, one of only six
affiliates in the state to have accomplished such an
incredible milestone.
Valdosta is a growing metropolitan city
in South Georgia with a population of about 50,000.
While the area continues to grow and support a robust
economy, there continues to be a great need for
affordable housing. For this reason, the city government
and their Department of Community Affairs has made the
elimination of substandard housing a priority. In 2001,
this affiliate, along with the City of Valdosta and
other community organizations, accepted Habitat
International’s 21st Century Challenge to eliminate
substandard housing in the Valdosta-Lowndes County area
by the year 2021.
With the current staff, strong community
volunteer participation, and a very dedicated Board of
Directors, the affiliate is now building 14-18 homes
yearly, and expects to expand that number as it moves
closer to the 21st Century Challenge deadline.
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat
affiliate has hosted numerous special events over the
years. In 2003, they were one of three affiliates chosen
to host the Jimmy Carter Work Project, in which 27 homes
were built in one week with the help of over 800
volunteers from around the world. Each year, the
affiliate takes part in several “Blitz Builds” sponsored
by various organizations in the community, including
“Building on Faith,” “Black History Month Build,”
“Blazer Build,” "Women Build," “Collegiate Challenge,” and “Moody
Build.”
Habitat’s strategy for producing
affordable housing for low income families includes the
use of volunteer labor, sweat equity, donated materials
and fundraising from individuals, churches,
organizations and businesses. The Valdosta-Lowndes
County Habitat affiliate, in partnership with over 1750
individual volunteers representing various organizations
in the community, including local churches, Moody Air
Force Base, Valdosta State University, and numerous
civic clubs and businesses, are tackling a significant
social problem—decent housing for all.
As of today, the Valdosta-Lowndes County
Habitat affiliate has built over 150 homes, sheltering
more than 600 people. Through the work of this
affiliate, low-income families in our community have
found new hope in the form of affordable housing.
