Habitat starts on a 'Home for a Hero'

OAKWOOD - Habitat for Humanity of Hall County volunteers Saturday began work on their first official home for a veteran.<br /> <br /> Executive Director Ann Nixon said this was the 47th home constructed by Hall Habitat in 25 years and the goal is to have 100 Habitat homes built and occupied by the year 2020.<br /> <br /> "We're thrilled to be able to recognize the over 10,000 veterans in Hall County and it's an opportunity for us to give back," Nixon added.<br /> <br /> Through donations of money, materials and volunteer labor, Habitat will be able to build this home and sell it at an affordable price. The future home will be financed for a 0% and a 20 year mortgage loan through Habitat. The homeowners will pay a reasonable down payment and volunteer over 300 hours in sweat equity as part of the Habitat program. <br /> <br /> Nixon said construction should take about six months; the veteran homeowner's name will be announced later.<br /> <br /> The south Hall County 'Home for a Hero' building site on Wintergreen Court is on land donated by the Hunter Family, who lost their home to fire according to Building Director Tim Williams.<br /> <br /> "The Hunter family donated this land to Habitat," Williams said. "They've since relocated and they wanted to help the veteran community."<br /> <br /> The 'Home for a Hero' project means a lot to returning veterans, according to Flowery Branch American Legion Post 328 Veteran Service Officer Ken Mason. Mason attended the ceremony to begin the construction project. <br /> <br /> "It's a transition process for veterans," Mason said. "It's an adjustment period that takes time."<br /> <br /> As he blessed the land and the building project, Flowery Branch Pastor of 12 Stone Church Matt Piland told the workers that "God makes beauty out of ashes."<br /> <br /> 12 Stone Church is one of the main project sponsors along with Home Depot, Carriage Automotive Group and the Hunter family.