Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is coming up on a major milestone. The nonprofit is marking 40 years of helping people realize the dream of owning their own home.
This Habitat affiliate was the first in North Carolina -- and now there are more than 60 across the state. It served all of western North Carolina when it first started, but now focuses on Buncombe and Madison counties.
Asheville's Habitat raises money through its ReStores, the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam and donations.
"The magic of Habitat is the idea of bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope -- that's really what's at the center of Habitat's mission statement; giving people a platform to come out and do what you see in the background," said Andy Barnett, executive director of Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. "Put your heart and your hands into solving this community challenge of affordable housing."
The anniversary date is Saturday, Feb. 11. On that day, the Habitat ReStores will hold a "Where's Waldo?" contest, offering a 40% discount to those who "find" him.