JACKSONVILLEIn case you haven’t heard, today is the start of war in Anniston — or at least another battle.
Led by former Commander in Chief and 39th President Jimmy Carter, an army of nearly 1,800 volunteers descends on the battlefield of Wellborn Heights. Substandard housing is the common enemy of this imposing force.
Sunday evening, Jacksonville State University’s Paul Snow Stadium was the site of opening ceremonies for the Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy Carter Work Project. Volunteers from around the country mingled with those who will benefit from their labors and began a plan of action for today.
In front of JSU’s Stevenson Hall, a convoy of cars, trucks, recreational vehicles and school buses crowded the parking lot. People of different races, nationalities, and income levels, united by a common cause, mixed freely on the eve of one of Calhoun County’s biggest international events.
In the parking lot, Mercedes vied with Civics for scarce spaces.
For many here, this was a reunion of volunteers from past JCWP’s. When Carter asked past participants to stand, almost one-third of the stadium rose as one. From South Korea to Hungary, proud faces stood to be recognized.
"Last year, my wife and I volunteered for the work project in South Africa," said Bill Newbold of Pinehurst, N.C. "It was the most heartwarming experience that I have ever been involved with."
Some were there to pay their respects for past favors, past homes earned by sweat, toil and swinging a hammer.
"I came because I live in a house that Habitat built four years ago," Anniston’s Yaschika Williams said. "And I really want to see Jimmy Carter."
Local businesses are doing their part by devoting materials and labor.
"I’m taking the whole week off work. The whole company (16 employees) are working shifts between contract jobs and Habitat houses," said Paul Joseph, co-owner of Quality Pest Control.
Volunteer Elaine Chapman, a United Defense employee, explained how she got involved in the JCWP. "I saw some notices on the bulletin board at work and thought it would be something I might like to do."
In force were local residents who’ll benefit from the week’s work. Families waved signs proclaiming what number their house is in the 36 being built this next week.
Standing outside the stadium before the ceremony, groups of families gathered around one another to talk about the upcoming week.
Brenda Wood, House No. 17, opted to let her son, Marcus, speak for the family:
"I was age 14 when I first started working with Habitat. I started as a volunteer through the Boys and Girls’ Club and just kept doing it. I have worked on 22 houses so far."
Those who will have a new home at the end of the week were quick to show appreciation for Habitat’s generosity towards them. A house, they know, is a precious thing.
"It’s a good program for helping decent people who don’t have a decent home," said Terry Brooks, House No. 16. "I appreciate everything Habitat’s done."
With the workweek rapidly approaching, excitement and nervousness was evident on several of the family members about to finally realize a dream of a nice home — their home. Lifelong hopes to share in the American dream of home ownership is so close, that anticipation almost breeds anxiety.
"The closer it gets, the more butterflies I get," House No. 15’s Rinique Simmons said. "We have been waiting since November and didn’t think it would ever get here. I can’t wait to have my own backyard."
In Anniston, 36 homes are to be built, but many families remain on the list. Tina Frisby, an Oxford native, volunteered because of Habitat’s future commitment to her family.
"My sister is getting a house through Habitat after this," Frisby said. "Although this is my first time, it is nice to do something for somebody else."
With the eyes of the world upon Anniston this week, visitors and locals alike agree that it’s been a long time coming for a positive promotion of Calhoun County.
Ron Altier, of Seattle, has been taking in the beautiful scenery since arriving. "This is my first trip to the southeastern states. I am amazed at how green everything is here and how hospitable everybody has been."
Local resident Jane Wheeler agreed, "We have had so much negative press on Anniston. This is a very good thing to happen here and to be a part of."
From the look of this determined group and the leadership of Carter, the lofty goals set are ones that are certainly obtainable, the folks Sunday night said. Months of preparation by the volunteers have galvanized the spirit of all involved.
