NATCHEZ — Fresh off building its 20th house in the community, the Natchez-Adams County Habitat for Humanity chapter is gearing up to pick a new build site to help a family in need.

The local charity, which uses volunteers and donations to help put roofs over people’s heads, has been helping Natchez residents for 25 years. Secretary to the board of directors Duncan McFarlane said the community is often good to Habitat during the holiday season, a tradition he hopes continue this year.

“Donations are critical so that we can go and buy the building materials,” McFarlane said. “So combined with the volunteer labor, we can produce affordable housing.”

Chapter President Andrew Calvit said it costs approximately $70,000 for Habitat to build a house in Natchez.“Around the holiday season, we are very appreciative of whatever we can get,” Calvit said. “No donation is too small.”

At the board’s next meeting in January, Calvit said he is hopeful to pick a site for the next build. The housing the organization builds makes a big difference for the individuals, but also the community, he said.

“It is a win-win for the city and the county,” Calvit said. “We put these houses back on the tax rolls, and insurance companies, utility companies and different shops also benefit.”

Habitat is not about giving the houses they build away, Calvit said, as each adult involved in receiving the house has to invest 250 hours of work along with the volunteers. Calvit said Habitat referred to this as  sweat equity.

“This is not giving them a hand out, it is a hand up,” Calvit said. “It is to better someone’s life in the community, but the homeowners have to work right along with us.”

Calvit said the organization could also use more pledges from volunteers.

“It is just a great feeling to work beside the other volunteers,” Calvit said. “The more volunteers we have, it also increases how quickly we can finish the houses and reduces burnout with those who volunteer on a regular basis.”

McFarlane said the community also benefits from improved housing in its neighborhoods.

“There is so much substandard housing in Natchez,” he said. “It is just amazing the number you see driving around.

“There is just a desperate need for housing and Habitat is trying hard to fill that need.”

Donations can be sent to Natchez-Adams County Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 100, Natchez, MS, 39121.

Volunteers need only to be willing to help and be at least 14 years old. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact McFarlane at 601-445-8639 or Calvit at 601-446-3130.