By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

A non-profit Christian housing ministry that believes that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live, Habitat for Humanity continues to prove itself to be a worthy and highly successful organization.

On Saturday, Nov. 16 at a home on Arrowhead Trail some volunteers of the project came and went most of the day. Painting, patching, installing new wood flooring, making numerous repairs and in depth cleaning and scrubbing took place.

This particular home will belong to a Midfield mother and her two daughters. The requirement of 300 volunteer hours with Habitat projects, lots of paperwork, financial creditability and training by Habitat will bring a lifelong dream to fruition for this family.

For over 25 years, the Birmingham area Habitat for Humanity has been helping make dreams come true. The Birmingham chapter was ranked fourth most effective out of 1,500 affiliates. The Birmingham area Habitat builds and repairs homes in four surrounding counties through local volunteer labor and donations.

Some of the homes are bought outright by Habitat, others are bargain priced as bank foreclosures and some are even donated. Outside supervision is provided on projects. Materials are furnished so an interested group of volunteers – church, civic organization, men’s club, sports group – can be a big part of a “mission” without the price tag. A willing body and heart will go a long way. Our “partner families” purchase their houses through no profit, no interest mortgage loans or innovative financing methods according to individual needs and abilities.

The Birmingham Habitat also operates a retail store named “Restore.” Profits from this operation help to defray the many costs associated with these projects.

If you are considering volunteering, Habitat for Humanity could be a very fulfilling experience.