Issue link: http://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/366131
PowerofGood.com | Summer 2014 17 an "EarthCents" home with many energy-efficient and environmen- tally friendly features. "This house is such a blessing," said the new owner, Rayonna Dorsey, who is moving into her home with her two daughters, 9-year-old Elizabeth and 17-month- old Chloe. "I thank God every day for allowing Alabama Power to build a house for me. You don't often find organizations that want to do things like that for other people." The Dorsey family can look forward to lower utility bills, thanks to several features incorporated into their home. It is equipped with energy-efficient Rheem heating and cooling, a General Electric heat pump water heater, lighting and controls, and Energy Star applianc- es. Airtight ductwork, insulation, and low-flow shower heads, faucets and toilets were installed. Addi- tionally, no volatile organic paints, glues, stains, caulking or other chemicals were used, which helps purify air quality inside the home. The yard features elements to reduce water usage, including a rain-harvesting system for irriga- tion, and drought-tolerant plants and grasses. "We want our customers to have a comfortable, affordable and ener- gy-efficient home that, at the same time, helps protect our state's natu- ral resources," said Robin White, a green building specialist at Alabama Power. "These features will not only be cost-effective and have a positive payback for the Dorseys, they make sense for homes of all sizes." Adam Swafford said the build ran smoothly because of the Magic City Chapter's close partnership with Habitat for Humanity Greater Birmingham. "The Habitat guys had all the materials laid out when we got here to start the project," said Swafford, Power Delivery Contract Services engineer and project chairman. "They marked the foundation to show where the walls and studs should be. They showed us on the walls where the windows and doors should go. All we had to do was stand up the walls. There was no guesswork." Swafford said teamwork was the key to building the home so quickly. Power Delivery Contract Services, Power Delivery Engineer- ing Distribution Services, Corporate Marketing, Southern Nuclear and SouthernLINC joined Magic City APSO volunteers, sending employ- ees to work on the site for a day as part of a teambuilding effort. Because the project was at the start of summer vacation, many em- ployees brought their children along to lend a hand, Swafford said. While other volunteers were helping to build the home, Whitney Talley, Power Delivery Contract Services administrative assistant, was in charge of logistics, which included delivering and serving breakfast and lunch each day, help- ing to unload the supply trailer and keeping the area clear of trash. Before the build began, Talley and Susan Ernst, budget analyst, Mar- keting and Economic Development, shopped for snacks, soft drinks, coffee, first aid supplies, paper prod- ucts, hand sanitizer, sunscreen and other needed supplies. Despite the hard work and the humid weather, volunteers agreed that it was worth the effort to help make the Dorseys' dream of owning a home a reality. Joey Hamm, line clearing spe- cialist, Varnons Crew Headquarters, summed it up when he said, "I just like getting out and helping folks who need help." The Magic City Chapter and Habitat for Humanity Greater Birmingham have worked side by side since APSO built its first house in 1998. Habitat for Humanity Greater Birmingham is a nonprofit Christian organization that builds affordable, "green," quality homes for underprivileged families. "Partners are crucial to Habitat's ability to serve the housing needs in our community," said Charles Moore, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Birmingham. "Our long-standing relationship with Alabama Power, as demonstrated in the Dorsey's home, is a prime example of partnership in action. "From providing daily volun- teers, to raising funds to sponsor the home itself, Alabama Power and the Magic City APSO Chapter clearly demonstrate their commitment to aiding Habitat's mission of build- ing homes, communities and hope in the greater Birmingham region," Moore said. "Thank you for your sustained partnership with Habitat Birmingham."