Families with bad debts must

be willing to pay those debts off before moving into the house. Like any

other mortgage company, Habitat for Humanity doesn't want to put

families in a mortgage they are not able to pay because of other commitments.

House payments are about $350 per month, including escrow, for current

mortgages.

"Willingness to partner"

is a family's commitment to Habitat and to working on their house.

Families are required to work "sweat equity" hours, which is

usually work on homes for others before helping to build their own. If

a family is physically unable to work on a home because of a disability,

Habitat will work with that family to find others ways for them to work

the required number of hours.

And, since Habitat's goal

is to eliminate substandard housing, current living conditions are inspected

to be certain the family is living in substandard conditions.

"This is a different time

of the year than our last two information meetings, so we wanted to be

sure to get the word out," said Melanie Gross, executive director.

"We've found ourselves in need of new families sooner than we

expected. Since the families are all required to complete their sweat

equity before moving into their homes, it's very important that we

give them adequate time to get that done."

She further commented that

it can take 12-18 months from the time of selection before a family moves

into their home.

Carol Freund, the chair of

the Habitat's Selection Committee, emphasized that families must

attend this orientation meeting.

"This meeting isn't

optional," Freund said. "If a family doesn't attend, they

won't be considered for this selection round. Families attending

will receive their information packet and all of the necessary forms and

have many of their questions answered at the meeting."

The program begins promptly

at 1 p.m. and is open to the first 200 people who come. It will be held

in Room 800 at the CEC. Signs will be posted.

Habitat is currently seeking

donations toward the construction of their next house. All funds must

be in place before construction can begin. If you have any questions about

Newnan-Coweta Habitat for Humanity, the orientation or the selection process,

please contact the Habitat office at 770-252-9049.