Killen builds home for family in need

KILLEN -- Betty Miller had been praying for a new house for years.

"I said, 'Lord, if it's your will, I need a home for my grandbabies,' " Miller said, adding that God has answered her prayers.

Barbara Austin, a Killen town council member, said the story begins back in winter, when Miller lost her husband, Donnie. Austin asked Miller if she could buy her family some groceries.

After Austin dropped off the groceries at the two-bedroom, one-bathroom house where Miller, her son, Jimmy, Jimmy's wife, Christy, and Miller's three grandchildren were living, Austin was in tears because of the condition of the house.

"Something had to be done," Austin said.

Austin said the long wait for Habitat for Humanity wouldn't do for the family's immediate needs.

"This family has never once asked for help," Austin said.

Austin said the Killen and Center Star communities have decided to take on the project of building the family a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house at the site of the present home.

"It's in the hands of the Shoals area," Austin said.

Austin said she needs people to donate what they can: time, money, furniture, appliances, lumber or other items for the home.

"We need a lot of help," Austin said. For example, they need Sheetrock and Sheetrock finishers, she said.

Austin said those who wish to help may call her at 757-1158.

For those who want to give money, donations may be made at Bank Independent's Killen branch, where the project has an account named the Killen/Center Star/Miller project.

Miller said she's looking forward to having a dining room for the first time: "To have a table for everyone to sit around at the same time," she said.

Austin said plans were made to have the house bulldozed, so progress can begin for the new house.

Local businesses and churches have been on board since day one, Austin said.

They hope to have the home finished by winter.

"I'd love to be in it by Christmas," Miller said. "That's one of my dreams."