TUSCALOOSA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AIDS SAPPS COMMUNITY

By WVUA 23 Student Reporter Sarah Macaluso, compiled for Web by Web Writer Sarah Rumfelt

TUSCALOOSA – Tuscaloosa’s Habitat for Humanity is stepping out of the county line to help residents recovering from a devastating tornado in the Sapps community.

Habitat Executive Director Ellen Potts said this is the first time the organization will build a home in another county.

“These are hard-working folks who have really been affected by a major disaster,” Potts said. “And heaven knows here in Tuscaloosa we know what that’s like.”

The 500 to 700 square-foot tiny homes will contain one bedroom, one bathroom and a kitchen/living room combination.

Habitat For Humanity and other partners have already raised $20,000 for these tiny homes and are trying to reach their goal of $70,000.

“We want to go to Pickens County for a week, and our goal is to build two tiny houses in a week,” Potts said.

Potts said giving back to a neighboring county in need is a “joyful obligation”.

“Most counties in Alabama are covered by some Habitat affiliate,” Potts said. “Pickens County is not one of those. So when they had a disaster, we asked for permission to be able to go into Pickens County for a focused amount of time.”

Habitat for Humanity will be working with other nonprofits in Pickens County to go through applicants for the tiny homes.

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