The Flint River Habitat for Humanity Boad of Directors on Thursday accepted a $200,000 check from Phoebe Putney Health System.  The donation will fund the construction of a Habitat house and follows through on a pledge Phoebe made when it donated five properties to the organization a little more than two years ago.

“Phoebe has been a long-time supporter of Habitat for Humanity, and our partnership has strengthened in the last few years as we started working together to help revitalize the neighborhood around Phoebe’s main campus.  This generous donation will allow us to build another beautiful home and bring new life to the historic neighborhood,” said Scooter Courtney, Flint River Habitat for Humanity Executive Director.

In addition to covering the full cost of construction of the current project, Phoebe Family members will provide a large portion of the volunteer labor on the project.

“Phoebe hosted a couple of volunteer work days on the first Habitat build near our hospital, and we’ll do even more on this house,” said Scott Steiner, Phoebe Putney Health System President & CEO.  “We are committed to improving our neighborhood, making it a safe and attractive place for families, but we can’t just talk about transforming the area.  We have to take an active role in making it happen.” 

After Phoebe donated the five properties near its flagship hospital in central Albany, Habitat went through an extensive design and approval process to ensure the homes match features of other homes in Albany’s Historic District.  The first home, built in the 700 block of N. Monroe Street, is the first brick house built by Habitat in southwest Georgia, and it was dedicated last December.  The Albany Dougherty Historic Preservation Commission previously approved the plans for the second home, and construction is now underway in the same block.

“That home should be ready for the owners to move in this fall.  We also plan to start construction this year on two 4-bedroom homes on properties Phoebe donated.  Without any delays, it’s possible they could be finished this year as well,” Courtney said.

Those homes will be built nearby in the 400 block of W. 2^nd Avenue.  Next year, Habitat plans to build on the final former Phoebe property which is also on W. 2^nd Avenue.

“We appreciate the support city leaders and Historic Preservation Commission members have shown for these projects.  We know Habitat homeowners will be great neighbors, and their presence will improve the neighborhood.  We’ll continue to support Flint River Habitat for Humanity and will look for other Phoebe properties that might be suitable for redevelopment by Habitat,” Steiner said.

Habitat homeowners go through an extensive application and vetting process.  Approved homeowners purchase their homes through a no-interest mortgage.  They must invest at least 300 “sweat equity” hours building their home or other Habitat homes, and they must complete Habitat Homeowner Education Classes.

“Habitat changes lives and puts families on a path to success.  Our chapter is fortunate to have great community support, and we certainly appreciate Phoebe’s leadership and generosity,” said Leah Hudson, Flint River Habitat for Humanity Board Chair.

Anyone interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner or volunteer can get more information at www.flintriverhabitat.org.  You can also support the local Habitat for Humanity chapter by shopping at the organization’s Restore locations in Albany.  The main store is located at 2815 Old Dawson Road, and the clothing and accessories store is located at 2620 Dawson Road.  Habitat will pick up new and used donated items such as furniture, housewares, and building materials.  To schedule a pickup, call 229-446-8199.  Donations may be dropped off at Habitat’s donation center which is part of the main Restore location.