Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia is building its first house. When finished, the dwelling at the end of the Hood Street in Cleveland will be home for Mrs. Mary Nicely and her four children.

Father Gerald Peterson, Glenmary pastor of St. Mark’s in Clarkesville and president of Habitat for Northeast Georgia, says groundbreaking for the house was held March 15. Grading was done and foundation blocks laid under the direction of Tom Gagnon, hired as lead carpenter and coordinator of volunteers.

With the substantial help of 14 Outward Bound students from Morgantown, N.C., the floor was put down and outside walls built April 5 and 6. Other local volunteers are helping Gagnon construct interior walls and put on the roof. A plumber and an electrician have volunteered their services for the next phase of the homebuilding.

Mrs. Nicely and her four children were displaced from their home by fire and for several months have been split up, living with various relatives. They are helping with work on the three-bedroom frame house and are looking forward to moving in within two months.

Habitat provides low-income families with the chance to buy their own homes with no down payment or interest and for a monthly payment of about $100, plus the pledge of 500 hours of labor on their own place and donation of time and labor to the construction of another Habitat home.

Habitat was founded 10 years ago in Americus, Ga., by the late Clarence Jordan, founder of Koininia Farm, and Millard Fuller. They recognized the need for decent housing for the poor in southwest Georgia and envisioned a partnership between the low-income families and people with resources. Since then 100 houses have been built in the United States and more than 600 worldwide.

The Rev. Bo Turner, executive director of Habitat in northeast Georgia and pastor of Tallulah Falls Baptist Church, says that along with St. Mark’s and his church, Grace Calvary Episcopal Church in Clarkesville is participating. Response also has come from civic clubs. Volunteer workers, donations of material and financial contributions are welcomed, he said.

Anyone interested in Habitat can contact Father Peterson at 404-754-4518. The mailing address is: Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia, P.O. Box 982, Clarkesville, 30523.