A founder of H'burg Habitat for Humanity receives Kindness in Action recognition

HATTIESBURG, MS. - This week's Kindness in Action recipient is Jan Lacy. She is recognized for being one of the starting founders of the Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity.

Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity, Inc., is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, which was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1990.

Under the direction of a volunteer Board of Directors, Hattiesburg Area Habitat works in partnership with low-income families to build simple, decent, and affordable housing in the Hattiesburg area.

Lacy and six other members of the 1989 Leaders for a New Century class grew concern for Hattiesburg and its housing issues.

“We felt that housing was a problem at that point in time and we had heard about Habitat for Humanity" said Lacy.

The team of seven created the Hattiesburg chapter. She said, “Anytime that I and the other 6 see each other, we always have a smile on her face.” Since the chapter formed its built nearly 70 homes in the community. She said, “We help some homeowner who never possibly would have a home on their own it is just unbelievable.” Lacy said its not just helping the homeowners, but the many volunteers involved in building the houses.

“And the teamwork that it teaches young people, that will carry them throughout the rest of their lives, that is invaluable" she said.

Although Lacy is no longer involved with the non-profit organization, she and the others are only one call away. “We do whatever we can just because it holds such a soft and dear place in our heart" said Lacy.

She is also an instrumental volunteer with United Way, Area Development Partnership, and other non-profit organizations in Hattiesburg.

Lacy received the Hub Award in 2016.