VALDOSTA, Ga. — The search is on to find new ways to fund housing projects for those in need in Valdosta.
The Habitat for Humanity chapter is losing a primary funding source and needs an alternative.
In 2016, both the Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity and the City of Valdosta applied and were successfully awarded a $600,000 grant to build homes. That funding will officially run out on June 30, leaving the organization to find other ways to help people in the community.
"We're going to have to get creative. We are going to apply for other grants and hopefully apply for another CHIP grant to allow us to build some more houses," said Molly Ferrier, Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director. "But right now, we are kind of in between those things and Habitat is in need of funding."
Despite reports of a strained relationship, Habitat for Humanity and the City of Valdosta will continue to be partners in the future.
The City of Valdosta released a statement saying in, part:
"The completion of the 2016 CHIP Grant in no way indicates a break in the relationship with Habitat for Humanity. The City of Valdosta has and will continue to support the exemplary work of the local Habitat for Humanity organization through continued partnership and collaboration."
"We look forward to working with the city again. No bad blood, they've been a wonderful partner, and I think they are going to continue being a wonderful partner," said Ferrier.
Ferrier said the community has the need, and they are ready to build. They are just missing the funding.
During, the three year span of the grant, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with the city, built 12 homes and repaired another 12.
