VALDOSTA — During the fourth Blazer build, more than 80 volunteers stood up to meet the challenge at 706 South Oak Street, where another Habitat for Humanity house was erected. According to Director of Resources Rob Sheets, the progress of the home’s construction had been slowed due to the weather, and crew leader Deb Robson, a Valdosta State University professor, said the home started being constructed the weekend of Martin Luther King Day. The walls for the home were actually built in the Habitat for Humanity warehouse during the bad weather. But Habitat for Humanity does not cancel and does not quit; the work from Friday and Saturday has left the home near completion. The newly-built home is intended for Dennis and Mary Godfrey, according to Sheets.

“Today alone, there have been over 40 volunteers, we have had an over abundance of hard-working help,” said Robson. “For interest-free mortgage Habitat homes, people have to qualify by income brackets and credit and work volunteer hours. ... We hold weekend workshops for people that are interested and also hold workshops on how to manage and improve credit. The people that get these homes have an incredible sense of work ethic.”

Jamee Campbell, a VSU cheerleader in her third Blazer Build, said, “It’s fun. Before participating in a Blazer Build, I’ve never really been involved in community service. So it means a lot to come be involved in helping with building a home for someone.”

Volunteer Harry Armstrong said, “I’m also buying a home. So I was glad I could come out and help with someone else’s house. It’s good to do work to help when someone needs help.”

Habitat for Humanity’s major fund-raiser is approaching. The annual birdhouse auction is March 15 at the Valdosta Country Club.