January is the time for all homeowners to pay their real estate property taxes, and last week Habitat, the escrow agent for the Habitat homeowners, paid over $4,000 to the tax collector.

In addition to the monthly mortgage payment (principal only as Habitat does not charge interest), each homeowner pays an additional amount to cover insurance and property taxes. Then in January each year these taxes are paid.

All of the Habitat homeowners moved into their homes from rental houses; in many cases the monthly mortgage payment is less than the previous rental charge. And the city benefits from the collection of new property taxes. It is win-win for all involved.

Habitat for Humanity is a Christian ministry that builds decent, affordable housing for lower income families. The organization has built more than 200,000 homes worldwide housing more than 1 million residents.

Here in Natchez, nine homes have been sold and the 10th one is under construction. The homes are built with volunteer labor so if you are interested in supporting Habitat with your time or your donations, please contact us at P.O. Box 100, Natchez, MS, 39121 or call 601-445-8639.

Duncan McFarlane

Natchez-Adams County Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors