Habitat for Humanity

Going back to our last RV trip, we stopped in Americus, GA. The world headquarters of Habitat for Humanity is located here.  Not far from the headquarters building is an information center where you can learn about the work of the organization around the world.  A volunteer will give a brief overview of the operation followed by a very impressive video of the sad living conditions of millions of people.

After you watch the video, you can walk thru a self guided tour.  First on the walking trail is examples of how the poor live in various countries.  After you complete this section, you enter an area where you will see the types of buildings that the organization builds for families in countries around the world and how their design matches the culture and climate of these places.  They make the point that this is a self help program.  Those selected to receive a house must work on the project themselves and must pay a no interest loan back.

If you have never seen these living conditions, it is an eye opening experience.

Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site

The plantation, located in Juliette, GA was started in 1847 by John Jarrell.  It was one of the half  million cotton plantations in the south that produced two thirds of the world's cotton. At its peak, the plantation included 1000 acres.  What makes this site particularly important and interesting is that the plantation/farm continued to be owned by the same family until 1974 when the surviving members of the family donated the plantation/farm to the state. Remaining on the property is the first family home and two subsequent homes lived in by the family along with many work and industrial buildings.

 

The site remains just as it was left by the family.  As you walk the grounds on a self guided tour, the lives of the family, slaves and other workers are revealed.

Just beyond the boundary of the site, there is an additional home operated as a bed and breakfast that is still owned by the Jarrell family.