Habitat for Humanity of Putnam County held a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 25 on Standish Avenue, near Mohican Drive in Eatonton.
HFH Putnam Executive Director Murali Thirumal said, “It has been a little while” since the organization started building a new house, but he hopes more will come soon.
“This is always an exciting day, not just for the new homeowner, but for us, too,” Thiramul said before the official ceremony began. “This is what we work for, what we’re here for, and what makes everything worthwhile for everyone involved, from our staff to the homeowners and to our donors, who we could not do any of this without them.”
Eventual new homeowner Tawana Ellison said she feels “very lucky” to get approved for a Habitat build on her first attempt with the organization based on Harmony Road on Putnam County’s east side.
“Everyone has been real easy to work with,” said Ellison, who added she’s about halfway through completing her obligation of 250 hours of volunteer time with Habitat for Humanity. “They’re all real caring and helpful. I love all of them. It’s been a great experience so far.”
Ellison is the head teller at Eatonton’s Farmers & Merchants Bank, and her 4-year-old daughter Gracelyn is currently a pre-K student at nearby Putnam County Primary School.
If all goes well and the build stays on schedule, she and Gracelyn should be moving into their new home by early next spring.