Bob Johnson knew all about the consequences of natural disasters when he came to Tuscaloosa on June 1, 201, as director of the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

In the wake of hurricane Katrina, he had worked with Habitat in Hancock County, MS, and with FEMA and HUD to help rebuild. Bob had been one of the first to respond to calls for help in Tuscaloosa in April, 2011. He came in May to help Habitat here, and he now finds himself a leader for the organization in the city, even though he still lives in Atlanta. Johnson told Rotarians a little about what his organization has done locally in the aftermath of the storm. Rotarian Chuck Turner introduced the speaker.

Habitat has sponsored 5,000 volunteers since July, 2011. They work here to help build attractive and affordable homes that add value to family and neighborhoods. And the houses are safe! They can withstand 140 mph winds, and are equipped with safe rooms. Habitat usually builds one house every 12- 18 months, Johnson said.

And the Habitat mission, he emphasized, is about more than building homes. It is about building lives and communities. Habitat has partnered with Nick’s Kids and the Literacy Council of West Alabama, for example, to create a temporary community-learning center for the Literacy Council of West Alabama. The aim is to help families through education, financial literacy and other life skills, to move from poverty to middle class.