By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

There are two more happy homeowners in Clanton after Habitat for Humanity completed and handed over the keys to a home for Ola and John Scott and their daughter Amber.

“We’d like to thank everyone who helped with this house,” Ola Scott said. “It’s been a long time coming and a dream.”

The ceremony was held on Jan. 29 at the Scotts’ home, which Habitat for Humanity has been renovating since October. About 40 were in attendance, including the Scotts’ friends, coworkers and many volunteers from the project.

Hundreds of hours of work went into the renovation of the home. The house’s floors and bathrooms were redone. A ramp was installed in the carport for accessibility. There were countless thanks given on the day the Scotts took the keys.

Director Lisa Green said the family had been waiting for a home since April 2014. Habitat for Humanity purchased the home in September 2016 and wasted no time getting started on renovations.

“What a difference it makes in the neighborhood,” Green said. “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs … but today is the day, it’s here.”

Green said that on average, a Habitat project has about 500 volunteers who contribute physical labor.

“When our volunteers come, they actually learn a skill. If they want to learn how to paint, we’ve got people to teach them how to paint,” Green said.

Workers who want to learn a skill are matched with someone with expertise so everyone can pitch in.

Green thanked numerous local businesses and individuals for their financial support and time spent volunteering. She estimated about $32,000 was spent in the renovation of the home.

The application process for a Habitat for Humanity home is opened when there are sufficient funds to build. To qualify for a house, one must have a housing need, steady monthly income and put in sweat equity hours before moving in.

For a full list of qualifications and information about volunteering, visit habitatautaugachilton.org or call 334-365-4132.