For the first time, faculty, staff and students of five area Christian schools are joining together to build a Habitat for Humanity Home in Chattanooga!
Students from Boyd-Buchanan, Chattanooga Christian, David Brainerd Christian, Notre Dame, and Silverdale Baptist Academy are at work raising the funds needed to complete the home’s construction.
“Our school is participating in this project because we believe in the teaching of God's word which says "to whom much has been given, much will be required,” and "love your neighbor as yourself,” says Jeff Ingram of Boyd-Buchanan. “We want to be generous and share what we have been given with others. We also want our students to have the opportunity to work together with students from other schools and become partners in service.”
“The Habitat program is a wonderful way to put the mission of our school to work,” says Don Holwerda of Chattanooga Christian School. “A side benefit is pulling all the Christian high schools together in a common and meaningful cause.”
Construction of the house kicks off January 28, and it will conclude in late April, 2006. “The schools are currently mobilizing students to raise funds and build the home,” notes John Lamb, Habitat’s Resource Manager. Their efforts received an important boost in late September with the announcement that the Robert L. and Kathrina H. Maclellan foundation will match donations gathered by the schools dollar for dollar up to a total of $25,000!
"Encouraging young people to engage in Christian service has always been a priority for the foundation,” says Lamb. “Their support of this project is greatly appreciated. We hope that this will be the first of a long line of Christian school houses, and more importantly, we hope to see hundreds of young people become involved in transforming their community because of their involvement in this project.”
Donations are being sought for the project. To contribute, write your check to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga, and send it to 1201 East Main St., Chattanooga, TN 37408. If you are affiliated with one of the participating schools, please mark this on your check so that your support may be counted towards your school’s effort.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga has built more than 175 simple, decent and affordable homes in partnership with Chattanooga families in need, since 1986. It is affiliated with Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, Georgia, an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga, call 423-756-0507, or visit www.habichatt.org.