Despite the recent burglary at the Habitat for Humanity home on Smith Street in early January 2008, Habitat has recovered financially and is back on track with construction. Several companies and workers have come forward to help us recover from the unfortunate burglary.

First of all, the Natchez Democrat wrote a wonderful article about the crime and alerted the public to Habitat’s loss. Soon thereafter, United Mississippi Bank donated $1,000 to help cover our losses. Jeff Holmes, a sheetrock finisher, agreed to mud, tape and finish all the sheetrock work in the house. Mr. Holmes and his crew of four (including his two sons) completed all the finishing work in record time by working at night. Habitat provided the supplies, but the Holmes’ crew donated their time and expertise. The cost of paying for such work can be a much as $1,000. And finally, Mr. Lionel Stepter, manager of Wal-Mart, has agreed to provide paint for the house and a team of Wal-Mart employees to do the actual painting.

On behalf of the Natchez-Adams County Habitat for Humanity affiliate, the board of directors is grateful for this support. The public can support Habitat by doing business with these generous people mentioned above.

Other groups that have donated their expertise (without charge) throughout the year to Habitat include: Lee Scott and Isaac Sullivan of Scott Construction Company (electrical work); Jimmy Dunn and Charlie Thomas (roofing); Waste Management (trash removal) and Scooter Cauthern (dirt work and foundation). We also wish to acknowledge the volunteer groups from St Mary Basilica, Mississippi Forestry Commission, First Presbyterian Church, the youth group from Jefferson St. United Methodist Church, Ruby Tuesday’s restaurant, Henry Falb, a snow bird from Bloomington, Ill., who winters in Natchez from January thru March and is a faithful volunteer on every work day, AmeriCorps, and the friends and family of Habitat homeowner, Chantel Marsaw.

In conclusion, Habitat really appreciates all the public support we have received; this includes money and volunteer time. If you wish to make a financial donation, please send it to Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 100, Natchez, MS. 39121. If you have a group that wants to help on the house, contact Kim Kaiser at 601-597-6767 or me at 601-807-4956.

Duncan McFarlane is the secretary-treasurer for Habitat for Humanity