Habitat for Humanity Owensboro-Daviess County and Atmos Energy teamed up to provide Christmas hams and gifts to the most recent 15 Habitat homeowners Monday morning.
The gifts were donated from community members who wanted to contribute to a good cause during the holiday season, and the hams were purchased by Atmos Energy.
“In the season of giving, there is nothing more meaningful than to be able to provide for others,” said Jeremy Stephens, Executive Director at Habitat. “Service to our community is at the heart of our mission.”
With a vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, Habitat builds and improves homes in partnership with individuals and families in need of a decent and affordable place to live. But the new homeowners put in plenty of work before they can get the keys to their new house.
Program applicants are required to complete 350 sweat equity hours before they are eligible to move into a Habitat home. Sweat equity includes spending time helping in any and all parts of the build process — from helping build put up frames to hanging windows, from digging trenches to painting, from gardening to collecting cans, and much more.
Habitat also relies on community partners who donate, whether that means supplies, funding, or manpower. Atmos has been a vital partner for the local Habitat chapter. Earlier this year, along with other community partners, Atmos and Habitat worked together to build Kentucky’s first Zero Net Energy (ZNE) in Owensboro.
“When Atmos Energy contacted Habitat about wanting to do something special during Christmas for our homeowners, we were not surprised at all,” Stephens said. “Atmos Energy is constantly looking for ways to support our community, and we at Habitat have been blessed to have their support on many projects this year.”
Kay Coomes, Manager of Public Affairs at Atmos Energy, said their Fueling Safe & Thriving Communities program is all about community engagement.
“The program is about making a difference in our communities with our outreach,” she said. “I cannot think of a better outreach than to assist Habitat for Humanity with spreading the Christmas cheer for their homeowners.”
