The Greater Birmingham and Shelby County Habitats for Humanity affiliates have merged into one, which should result in more homes being built in Shelby County.

The merger was done to pool resources, said Charles Moore, president of Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity.

&8220;This is an opportunity to combine resources, continue to be good stewards and expand on our strengths to enable us to service more families in need of affordable housing,&8221; said Moore. &8220;By working together we can maximize resources and get more done.&8221;

Habitat for Humanity builds homes for low-income families who meet certain qualifications and agree to complete several hundred service hours with the organization.

The union follows two years of discussion weighing the consequences of the merger, which Moore says is a win-win situation for both Shelby County and Birmingham.

&8220;There is really no downside for either.&8221;

Moore says rather than having staffs at both locations, Shelby County will benefit from Birmingham&8217;s 17 full-time staff members, while Shelby County previously had two part-time staffers.

&8220;Rather than duplicate staff in Shelby County and Birmingham, we are able to blend both together.&8221;

Since 1987, Habitat for Humanity volunteers have built 220 homes in Jefferson County and 20 homes in Shelby County