One lucky family will receive a complete remodel and repair to their home this Christmas through a project led by the Northeast Georgia Latino Chamber of Commerce called “A Home for Christmas.”
The NGLCC has partnered with around 20 contractors to put the project into fruition, Norma Hernandez, the president of the organization said.
The project was sparked by an independent roofing contractor who wanted to donate his time, labor and materials to a family in need of a new roof, but the organization wanted to do more, Hernandez said.
“I said, ‘You know, getting a roof repair would be great but why do we have to stop there? Why don’t we just keep on going and remodel a whole house,’” Hernandez said.
The recipient of the project can be any family living in the Gainesville, Hall County community who meet certain requirements to be eligible for the project.
“This project is for the whole community. We don’t care who you are, we just need to know that you are in need and we will do our best to help you out,” Hernandez said.
To qualify for the project homeowners must:
- Have a household income of $35,000 or less.
- Have their name on the deed of the home.
- Be a resident of Hall County.
- Live in the home with immediate family.
- Have a home of 1,500 square feet or less.
- Include residents of children, senior citizens or veterans
- Provide proof of illness if necessary.
- Provide their last tax return, last two months of income (pay stubs) and last two bank statements.
The chamber will choose 5 finalists for the project. A home inspector will go to each home to determine the needs of that specific structure and the winner will be chosen accordingly.
“It is our goal that if we don’t spend all of the money [on the one home], then we will be providing some kind of service to other properties,” Hernandez said.
The organization hopes to collect $30,000 of monetary funds to help contribute to the project, but they are also accepting material donations such as leftover construction materials from independent projects.
The organization is accepting applications until Oct. 21 and the recipient will be announced Nov. 21.
The construction process is scheduled to begin Nov. 22 with a reveal party on Dec 21—just in time for the holidays.
For more information on the application process or how to donate, visit NGLCC online or give the organization a call at 470-290-8676.
