CLYATVILLE — Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity concluded its Freedom Build Saturday at 4507 Madison Highway.

The build started 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, as a way to commemorate 9/11; volunteers from Moody Air Force Base and the Valdosta Fire Department helped build the house, said Molly Ferrier, Habitat executive director.

The Freedom Build was initiated following the 9/11 attacks and has become an annual tribute to the first responders who protect people everyday, said Mike Eddington, Habitat director of operations.

Habitat aids people living in poverty while providing a safe, decent affordable house for residents, Ferrier said.

For the 2018 build, Habitat for Humanity worked with April Hunter, her three children and her niece so they could have a permanent home.

To participate in the program, the first-time homeowner must give at least 350 sweat equity hours toward the project.

“It’s an awesome opportunity, and I try to tell everyone about the program that I can tell,” she said. “If homeownership is your dream, this is an awesome way to go.”

Hunter said homeownership is important because it is a “foundation for your family. They can carry it on for generations.”

She said owning a home creates stability for families because there won’t be the stress of possibly having to move when a lease comes to an end.

Hunter was born and raised in Clyattville and chose the location so her children could enjoy the freedoms associated with living in a more rural area.

“So, to bring them back out here in the country and their freedom to go wherever they want and ride and do whatever, it’s really good,” she said. “I don’t have to worry about the city limits and all the troubles that come with it.”

By the end of the Freedom Build, Hunter and the volunteers had completed putting up the siding on the house and installing the rafters for the roof, she said.

The home still needs contract work such as plumbing and electrical work before being ready, but Hunter is hopeful the house will be ready for her to move into by the end of the year.

To thank  the volunteers who helped her build her new home, Hunter grilled hotdogs and hamburgers.

“It was a way I could give back to them for their help,” she said. 

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.