DeKalb County CEO and Athens native Michael Thurmond was in town Thursday evening to support the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity.
“I’m always impressed by all the individuals who invest some much time energy, finances, to support affordable housing for all the residents of Athens-Clarke County,” Thurmond said.
Thurmond was the keynote speaker at the organization’s annual gala for Committee of 1000, a group of local donors who provide funding and support every year. Paul Farr, marketing and ReStore Operations Director explains.
“The idea is if a thousand people donate eight just hours each we could build an entire house,” according to Farr. “But what we’re doing this year is the funds we’re raising this year are going to the Kinda Tiny House Project.”
Kinda tiny homes are not small enough to qualify as tiny houses. Supporters hope to bring the smaller homes to Clarke County.
“We had two winners, one from Atlanta, one from UGA, so we had UGA winners in the design contest. We’re going to build four of these, and the people who are here tonight are going to be donating to have these Kinda Tiny Homes, which are also sparking discussion about modernizing our building codes and our zoning codes.”
Habitat staff, volunteers and homeowners were joined by business and community members as well as local political leaders including Commissioners Russell Edwards, and Jerry NeSmith; along with Mayor Kelly Girtz.
“Habitat lifts up those who are interested in living a better life, but just can’t quite make that stretch to purchase a home,” Girtz said. “They have a format in which thousands of people and hundreds in this community, have been housed in a dignified way.”
Habitat’s Executive Director Rep. Spencer Frye emceed the event. Athens Area Habitat for Humanity operates in Clarke, Oconee and Oglethorpe counties.
