GAINESVILLE - Last March a Hall County National Guardsman came home from Afghanistan to find his rural East Hall County home on Coker Road burned. Friday morning he learned he is getting new house from Habitat for Humanity.
For 'Charlie Company' Specialist Michael Walker and his family word that the house had burned was an unpleasant surprise, but he got a very pleasant surprise from Habitat President Deeann Whitenton that he was approved for Habitat home construction.
"It kind of was a surprise," Walker said as he and his wife Kim and their four children gathered on the spot where their old house once stood. "We were just waiting for the decision and they made their decision."
Whitenton says now the fund raising begins for the Walkers new house, to be built on the site where the other house was gutted from the accidental fire that started in a clothes dryer March 31st.
"We wanted to be involved with them and we felt honored to be able to help them after they had served their country,' Whitenton said. "We have to fund raise so that will take some time; hopefully by the first of next year we'll be finished."
"I'm just excited and thankful," Kim Walker said. "I'm ready to start house keeping again. We're ready to be home, the kids are ready to be home."
Danny Sanderson, Chief Finance Officer for Habitat for Humanity of Hall County, said the Walkers' new home will likely be energy efficient,1100 to 1200 sq. ft. with three to four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Sanderson said building the new home for the Walkers will be a community effort and construction donations may be made directly by visiting Habitat's new website or they may contact Sanderson by phone at 678-450-5998. Sanderson added this is the first time Habitat has helped a soldier and his family.
"This particular story with the Walkers is so heart warming we felt called," Sanderson said. "It's the patriotic thing to do and it's what God would have us do, to help this family out."
Friday
October 18th, 2024
2:17PM
