On June 24, Habitat for Humanity of Moore County was awarded a challenge grant from the Cole Foundation for $30,000 to build homes in Richmond County. The Habitat affiliate applied for the grant in December and worked for four months to raise the $30,000 needed to receive the match from the Cole Foundation.

The Habitat affiliate, based in Aberdeen, expanded its service area in 2005 to include Richmond County and has built five houses in the county since 2006. Two houses are planned for the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

Executive Director Elizabeth Cox said of the award, "The Richmond County community really stepped up to the plate in raising the funds to earn this matching grant. Local churches, rotary clubs, businesses and organizations truly helped us raise the funds to pay the costs of the third home built in Richmond County this fiscal year. We have built five homes in Richmond County over the last two years, and are excited to offer home-ownership opportunities to Richmond County families."

Habitat for Humanity of Moore County is currently working on a change to incorporate Richmond County in its name. At this time, they hope to change to Habitat for Humanity of the N.C. Sandhills Inc., Moore and Richmond Counties, within the next few months, so that Richmond County citizens can see how committed the organization is to success in both counties.

The Cole Foundation Endowment of Foundation for The Carolinas was established by the late Elizabeth S. Cole and her brother, the late Robert L. Cole, both life-long residents of Richmond County.

Foundation for the Carolinas is a nonprofit organization that serves donors, communities and a broad range of charitable purposes in North and South Carolina. With assets under management of approximately $450 million, the Foundation encourages and makes possible philanthropic giving by individuals of all means to benefit their communities both now and in the future.

Habitat for Humanity of Moore County is a Christian housing ministry that is able to offer interest-free mortgages to individuals in need of simple, decent housing. It partners with families, volunteers, churches and community organizations to work toward a goal of ending sub-standard housing in the Sandhills.

Habitat is currently seeking volunteers and supporters of all kinds.

Those who would like to get involved can contact Amanda Jakl at (910) 334-1162 or (910) 295-1934.