Thanks to Habitat For Humanity supporters all over the world, Habitat International recently surpassed its 400,000 house milestone objective. The organization says that means more than two million people are in improved housing in the global community.

In the Thermal Belt community of Landrum and Polk County, Habitat has houses dotting the landscape with grateful homeowners because of the work and donations of the community.

In 1983, as the direct result of a Rotary Club community service project to improve insulation in needy homes (the Rotarians were already acting green ahead of the national power curve) they realized the serious shortage for decent housing in the community.

Assisted by local church members, they founded Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity affiliate and the first house was completed in 1984. Habitat for Humanity now has completed more than 70 new or renovated houses inb the area.

Most people know that Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization working to upgrade the housing and living conditions of less fortunate people. But did you know that every able bodied adult who is approved for a home has to complete 200 hours of sweat equity to qualify for their home?

With paint brush or hammer, or by putting in service hours at the ReStore consignment and resale shop in Landrum, they become partners in the building of their own home.

If you would like to give hammer time as a volunteer, or materials and housing items to the ReStore, call 864-457-2561.