On June 7th, 2003, Habitat for Humanity, an ecumenical Christian ministry, opens the Global Village and Discovery Center next to its headquarters in Americus, Georgia. The non-profit house-building organization has created replica third world slums to show how people live in "miserable conditions." After passing through this "Living in Poverty" section, visitors will see dozens of examples of HofH's own low cost housing solutions.

From the press release: "In dilapidated poverty shacks of many African countries, the monsters in the closet are real scorpions and snakes that threaten children as they sleep. In the thousands of Habitat for Humanity homes built to replace such shacks, solid walls, leak-free roofs and no-interest mortgages offer a new beginning for African families living in poverty who work side-by-side with Habitat volunteers to realize their dream of stable shelter."

The 6-acre village is just down the road from Plains, GA. It should be no surprise former US President Jimmy Carter, a hardcore Habitat volunteer, will be attending the opening of the Village at 1 pm, Saturday. (121 Habitat Street, Americus, Mon-Sat 9 am - dusk, Sun 1 pm - dusk. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Donation $5/adult.)

[06/03/2003]