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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

The Clanton City Council heard updates from two nonprofit organizations during a short voting session on Jan. 10.

Habitat for Humanity of Autauga and Chilton Counties presented information on its search for the next Chilton County family and the need for volunteers.

“Really we need your help with contacts because when we build a house we need volunteers,” Carol Risher, chairman of the family selection committee, said.

She said this could be anyone, those with professional skills in building as well as those without.

Sponsors for meals for the volunteers and donations of materials are also needed.

“We build houses for people who could not otherwise afford it,” Risher said. “They get a 30-year mortgage and in the last 13 years, we have placed 10 families here in Chilton … mostly in the Clanton city limits.”

The mortgages are interest free.

The organization will choose its next Chilton County family in February. Qualifying families can call now to set up an application slot for Feb. 3 and Feb. 5.

To make an appointment, call 205-294-5347 and leave a message for Risher. The deadline to call is Jan. 28.

“The Habitat houses are great because they lift up a neighborhood,” Risher said. “Many times it is an aging neighborhood and it lifts it up, so we think it is really good for a community to do.”

She also said more board members from Chilton County is something the organization would welcome.

Margaret Hawkins of Kids 1st Bridge of Hope gave the council information about the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Fun Day, which will include a basketball game, prayer walk and other family events.

“We just wanted to invite you all out and give you an update on what we are doing,” Hawkins said. “Thank you for allowing us to be here.”

She also mentioned monetary donations would be accepted.

During the meeting, the council approved the minutes of the last meeting as the only vote. Mayor Jeff Mims said no invoices had been received, so there were zero bills needing to be paid at the meeting.

Clanton City Hall is closed to outside visitors at this time due to a spike in COVID-19 cases. Bills can be paid through the drive-thru.