CONTRIBUTED

Habitat has a special ability of bringing diverse groups of people together for a common goal and creating lifelong partnerships.

Two local youth groups came together to paint the Midway Community Center. The center is used for association meetings, fundraising events, church and family events, but was in need of a new coat of paint. >

"The Community Presbyterian Youth Group and kids from the Midway community took 20 tubes of caulk and 25 gallons of paint and made the Midway Community Center shine," said Amanda Jakl, Habitat's special events and communications coordinator.

From beginning to end, the project was a community effort. Kathy Liles, from the town of Aberdeen, and her husband power-washed the building. Maurice Holland, former head of the Midway Community Association, helped finish taping on Tuesday morning, along with Midway resident John Jones.

Albert Thomas, current head of the Midway Community Association, rounded up the Midway youth while Betty Pope was in charge of the Community Presbyterian Youth Group. Valspar supplied the paint through its "A Brush With Kindness" program. Paint rollers were courtesy of a gift-in-kind donation.

At the end of the day, as the Midway folks finished their prayer circle, Betty Pope shook hands with Albert Thomas and said, "I would like to offer my hand in friendship and thank you for this opportunity to serve with you."

As she went down the line, all the Community Presbyterian kids fell in line behind her, without prompting, and followed her lead.

It brought tears to Sue McKenzie's eyes. McKenzie is the repair ministry coordinator for Habitat.

"That day at Midway was one of the best days I have ever had with Habitat," McKenzie said, "Of course, the kids are the heroes. They worked well despite the heat and did not spill any paint or waste anything. > Each and every one of them was a blessing."

Painting the Midway Community Center was part of repairing and revitalizing the Midway neighborhood as Habitat builds homes in partnership with community members in Midway Gardens.

"Habitat looks forward to taking a neighborhood approach to the community development, and assisting even more families than those who qualify for the new homeownership program," said Jakl.

The Neighborhood Repair Ministry has different payment requirements depending on income level. Those very-low-income families who qualify will not pay back the investment in their property. > Those whose income is the same as Habitat homeowners will have a repayment program to cover the costs of materials and repairs. All those who benefit from the program must live in a home that they own. >

The goal is to work with volunteers to repair the homes of low-income and handicapped individuals. Volunteers repair flooring, seal and winterize windows, put on new roofs, make sure that septic systems are working and operating up to code, and install handicap ramps.

Habitat for Humanity of the N.C. Sandhills is a Christian housing ministry that is able to offer interest-free mortgages to individuals in need of simple, decent housing. We partner with families, volunteers, churches and community organizations to work toward our goal of ending substandard housing in the Sandhills.

Those who would like to get involved with Habitat for Humanity should contact Judie Wiggins at >(910) 295-1934. > Habitat is currently seeking volunteers and supporters of all kinds.

Visit the website www.sandhillshabitat.org.