Councilman Scott Chastain, Rotarian Chandler Giddes, Councilwoman Wanda Warren, Representative Darlene Taylor, Major Wade Glover , Board member Gary and CEO Rich Massa break ground at the future site of a Habitat for Humanity home on Ford Street.  

THOMASVILLE- “It just starts with one shovel, one person, one application.” 

This quote resonated with many during Wednesday’s Habitat for Humanity groundbreaking ceremony on Ford Street.  

“This groundbreaking is pretty significant, because it’s a 2-acre lot,” explained Chief Executive Officer Rich Massa. “While we are just starting with one home, the end result is to have 4-6 homes here.” 

The blueprint used for the homes on Ford Street will then be duplicated and used throughout the City and County strategically. 

“While we know and agree that everyone is in need of affordable housing, there’s no true way on how to get there,” Massa said. “What we are proposing is that we have the fast track and the model, but we need to partner with other organizations and other groups to be able to do this together as opposed to separate.” 

Massa went on to share what the Habitat for Humanity model looks like and how it gives individuals the opportunity to get an entry-level home that is sustainable and affordable. 

“We are able to give them something most other developers can’t give them, and that’s disposable income,” Massa said. “The price points we use for the 0% mortgage is still well below any of the rentals.” 

Massa pointed out that a current 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment in downtown Thomasville is listed to rent for $1,800 a month. 

“That’s insane, especially given that the average income in this area is $30-40k,” he said. “All we are asking is to look at the model of how we do things differently.” 

Massa said he envisions Thomasville as being the beacon and wave of what is to come throughout South Georgia. 

“We will be able to build and provide houses for folks in South Georgia,” he said. “I want people to realize we are building more than just that Segway of population that fits all the government grants.” 

Massa shared that there is a huge population that no contractors are looking to build for, because no one wants to begin with a starter home. 

“There is nothing wrong with starting with a starter home,” he said. “It gets you into the game, and once you are in the game, you can learn how to use the asset to get you to the next part.” 

Massa concluded the ceremony with his own personal story, sharing why he is so passionate about giving people a hand up in life. 

“When I was a kid, my mother and I would sit at the kitchen table and decide the electric bill or the food bill,” he recounted. “I was 8-years old. No one- no mother, father, child should be sitting at a table deciding which one they are going to pay. I will never forget that.” 

Massa said this experience is what drives him to give individuals a leg up that he never had. 

“It might sound like a pie in the sky idea, but if we encourage instead of discourage, we might make an impact,” he ended.