Back 
Thomson’s Habitat for Humanity organization broke ground on its seventh home project Sunday.
Prospective homeowner Vernita Hill and family members joined Habitat and city leaders at the Second Street corner lot.
Habitat treasurer Norris Long said the committee hopes to build an eighth home on the lot to the north, and two more homes nearby on Pitts Street.
The committee also hopes to obtain more lots and build more homes, he said.
Hill is a 13-year employee of Serenity Be-havioral Health Systems on White Oak Road, an arm of the Georgia Technical Assistance Center. Hill said she was surprised but pleased to learn that her application for the house was approved. Hill said she and four family members will share the home.
Her daughter, Porshia Hill, works at the Advance Auto Parts distribution center. She described that job as a blessing. Porshia’s sons, Damekus Taylor, 10, and Kitta Reese, 6, will share the home. Hill’s other grandson, Demarquez Hill, 12, also will share the home.
Before the family can occupy the house and begin paying the mortgage, the family must contribute to construction of the home. Hill’s father, brother, adult son and two nephews will work on the home. James Hill Sr. brings more than 20 years of concrete experience to the job.
The Rev. Steve Stokes, the pastor of Pine Grove Baptist Church in Thomson, is the newest member of the local Habitat board. In his invocation at the Sunday afternoon ceremony, Stokes gave thanks for a safe home for Hill and her family.
Long told the audience that the city of Thomson and the city council have worked hard to support Habitat’s mission of home ownership.
Mayor Ken Usry said the ability to secure federal money is transforming the neighborhood. “Pitts Street is a different street now,” Usry said. He said Habitat for Humanity is a great organization. He lauded the efforts to make home ownership possible for more people.
Building manager William J. Tam told The McDuffie Mirror that anyone who wishes to volunteer or provide materials may contact him directly. Tam is semiretired after more than 40 years in construction. Tam can be reached at (706) 595-3924. He said he already has promises for several major areas of work, including siding, shingles and interior painting.
Other board members on hand included Dave Dillinger, who has served since the group was founded in Thomson in 1996.
