Rotary Report- Dec. 11, 2008

Meeting at Jim’s Buffet and Grill, Wednesday, December 03, 2008
By Byron Ward and Sid Riley

The program this week was sponsored by President-Elect, Jim Hart. Since this meeting featured presentation of a $4,000 check to Jackson County Habitat for Humanity, the program was presented by Habitat Executive Director, Leslie Fuqua and current Habitat President, David Melvin. They provide an overview of the activities of our local Habitat organization.
This check was presented by Eddie Hopkins, Rotary President to the Habitat officers. This check brings the total paid by the local Rotary Club to Habitat to $36,000. The club made a $40,000 commitment to Habitat for their house number 37 in 2005.
During their presentation, Melvin and Fuqua explained that the local Habitat group has built a total of forty-two houses since the organization was formed in 1989. The average house is 1,200 sq. ft., is built of brick with metal roofing and has an average cost of $66,000 and an appraised value of around $115,000. The cost is lower due to the use of volunteer labor and other donated materials used in the construction.
Of the forty two houses sold to qualified families, only three have resulted in default. One is currently in foreclosure, and the other two were deeded back to Habitat and one was resold to another family. The organization has accumulated a net equity value of over $1,000,000.
The two Habitat Thrift Stores, Marianna and Malone, produce revenues of approximately $52,000 per year for the program, and the annual Habitat Auction generated approximately $24,000 this year.
At the current time two houses are empty and are available to qualified applicants. If you feel you know someone who might qualify, contact Leslie Fuqua at 850-482-2187.
The club gave special recognition to visiting guest "Ike" Elchenlaub, the new warden at Marianna FCI. James Wise won this week’s football pool.