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Habitat for Humanity is planning to build three homes in LaGrange for low to moderate income families who want to be homeowners. 

Habitat Executive Director Sandie Pike said they will the build homes one after the other and not simultaneously. 

Families who are interested in a home must fill out an application and submit it to a Habitat representative. 

“We will build the first home in the Calumet area,” Pike said. “Prospective Habitat homeowners must demonstrate a need for safe, affordable housing.” 

Pike said she does not know where the other two will be built yet.

If selected, Habitat homeowners must partner with Habitat for Humanity throughout the process. 

Pike said that this partnership includes performing “sweat equity,” or helping to build their own home or the homes of others in Habitat’s homeownership program. Sweat equity can also include taking homeownership classes or performing volunteer work in a Habitat ReStore.

Homeowners must also be able and willing to pay their mortgage.

Pike said due to the demand and cost of supplies going up by almost 500 percent, Habitat is also looking for partners to donate building supplies or monetary donations. 

“If we are able to get enough donations — both monetary and supplies — we might be able to build two homes at once,” Pike said. “This would get families in need in a home faster.”

Habitat for Humanity will review applications from families and make their selection by June 15.

“A lot of our revenue to build these homes comes from the ReStore in what we sell,” Pike said. “So even if people can’t donate money or supplies, if you have an old couch or anything in your home you don’t want or need, we accept those donations at the store. We are able to resell that and put funding toward building these homes for families in need in the community.” 

Pike explained that the home is also built based on the family size and need of applicants chosen. 

“Even if you can’t donate goods or money, we need volunteers to help build these homes,” Pike said. “I have been with Habitat for 15 years and even though I may not be able to do the construction side, I am able to come in and caulk or paint whatever is needed. Every little bit helps with these homes.” 

Habitat for Humanity recently finished three other builds in Troup County. 

“The homes we build are very quality homes,” Pike said. “These families will get a very nicely built home.”