MARTINSVILLE, Va. (Romero Report) — The Martinsville-Henry County chapter of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) has started a new partnership with the Fuller Center for Housing.

The chapter will now operate as the Fuller Center for Housing – Martinsville-Henry County, Inc.

“This decision to begin a new partnership with the Fuller Center for Housing was not taken lightly,” said Houston Stutz, board president of the local chapter. “Our board thinks this move will align more with our goals and ambitions, as well as be beneficial for serving our community and the housing issues we face.”

In 2005, founder and president Millard Fuller left HFHI to start the Fuller Center for Housing, a nonprofit organization with a similar mission to eradicate poverty housing by promoting partnerships with individuals and community groups to build and rehabilitate homes for people in need, a news release said.

Currently, the area organization serves 12 families and has helped over 30 since its inception.

The release said existing mortgages for the families it serves will remain unchanged.

“Our mission, values, and willingness to serve will not change,” Stutz added. “We still want to provide families an affordable place to call home. This move will allow us to do that in a better capacity while also helping more with critical repairs.”

The Fuller Center for Housing is always in need of volunteers.

Individuals committed to building or rehabbing homes can join upcoming projects, and no experience is necessary, the release said.

The board is also currently searching for a new executive director, a part-time role averaging 20 hours per week, working with current homeowners and board members.

Interested parties can contact Houston Stutz at hstutz48@gmail.com.

Tax-deductible contributions can be mailed to: The Fuller Center for Housing – Martinsville-Henry County, 932 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112.

In-kind donations of building materials and services are also welcomed.

For more information, visit www.fullercenter.org or call 276-638-6484.

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