Flint River Habitat celebrates new home with Albany family (Video)

ALBANY — Laura Alexander’s two sons now have a yard with plenty of room in which to run around — and a place where neighbors won’t be knocking on the wall next door.

“It’s so nice to finally have our own space, and the kids love it,” Alexander said.

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Alexander and her family cut the ribbon on their new home Thursday with a host of staff and volunteers from Flint River Habitat for Humanity and the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. Procter & Gamble representatives were also on hand to see the work that their donations and employee volunteers helped complete. P&G representatives also donated household supplies made by the company as housewarming gifts.

“I happened to be here for the groundbreaking for this home,” said Habitat Executive Director Jennifer Vanston. “It’s been amazing to watch its physical progress over the last few months.”

Construction on the house at 907 Willow Oak Court began in July and was completed in December. Alexander, whose family was able to move into the house a few days before Christmas, was involved in the building process and able to choose the floor plan and colors for her home.

“This whole experience has been mind-blowing,” Alexander said. “It’s just so nice for the boys and I to have a home where we all have the room we need. I’m really happy that the boys now have a good place where they can enjoy playing outside.”

Habitat requires that those who receive homes through its program contribute work, known as “sweat equity,” on it. The homeowner also has to make payments on a low-interest home loan, putting money back into Habitat to help pay for future projects.

Alexander spent more than 300 hours working on her home project, all while working full time both as a mother and as an employee of Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.

“I’m really proud of her,” said Alexander’s mother, Barbara. “She’s worked very hard, and all of this has been so nice for them.”

Alexander and her family are enjoying life in their new home, and have no complaints — except maybe with nature.

“It’s everything I could have wanted,” Alexander said. “Now, if the grass will just grow a little bit more, it will be perfect.”