Tenth Hammer Jam will help families realize dreams of a new home
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By Alan Mauldin
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ALBANY – Three area bands are putting on a show Saturday during the annual Flint River Habitat for Humanity benefit concert that helps dreams of homeownership come true for area families.
Hammer Jam, which kicks off at 5:30 p.m. at the Merry Acres Inn & Event Center, also will include a silent auction and raffle, with a $100 donation earning the winning ticket holder a prize of a golf cart, bourbon or other goodies. The bands on tap are the Bo Henry Band, Kinchafoonee Cowboys and Stephen Harrell & the Dusty Boots Band.
But the real winners will be those who get to move into their own home.
“It helps build Habitat homes,” Amanda Cooper, who manages the organization’s ReStore 2 location on Dawson Road, said. “All the funds go into building homes. We have a very ambitious schedule for next year.”
About 700 attended Hammer Jam 2023, Cooper said, and by Wednesday afternoon about 500 tickets had been sold so the organization is hoping for a turnout as good or better on Saturday.
Prospective Habitat homeowners have several requirements in the process of moving into a new home and actually work on them during the building process. The home ownership program is not a handout, as it requires the “sweat equity” homeowners put into building homes. They also attend workshops on homeownership and financial management.
The goal is putting families who otherwise could not swing it to be able to afford a new home.
“I’ve always been amazed with Flint River Habitat,” Cooper said. “We don’t just give houses away. Homeowners are involved in the process. They have an interest-free loan where they are buying the house.”
Currently, the southwest Georgia organization that operates in two counties is building five homes and is looking to approve four new homeowners for its next fiscal year.
“It’s a fundraiser, and all of the funds go back into Dougherty and Lee counties,” Cooper said.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the event. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 on Saturday. VIP tables are available by email at [email protected] or by phone at (229) 446-819.
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