Habitat for Humanity site burglarized

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Deputies are investigating after the theft of a Habitat for Humanity build site.

On Saturday, Jackson County deputies were called to an address in Cottondale, where a burglary had been reported.

“Our construction supervisors and a team of volunteers from FSU showed up to our construction site to go in and do some sheet rock and trim only to discover someone had come in and broken into the house,” said Carmen Smith, the executive director of the Chipola Area Habitat For Humanity.

Officials say when they arrived on scene, they not only found it was a Habitat for Humanity site, but that a battery charger had been stolen, as well as several retractable razor knives, 200 feet of interior electrical wire was cut, totaling about $2,000 in damage.

“Cut some wire taken some wire as well as some construction tools,” said Smith.

Those with the Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity say this is not the first time this has happened.

“Another example we had blocks stolen off a construction site its a shame that we have gotten to a place where nonprofits who are doing good are subjected to that semblance,” said Smith.

For the house on Moore Road.

“There was not an easy way in. there was forced entry,” said Smith.

Representatives with the Chipola Area Habitat For Humanity say they provide safe, decent and affordable housing for families.

“It really unfortunate this has happened it has put and dent in the work we are able to do for qualifying families,” said Smith. “It slows down the construction schedule it costs up more money to serve families than it already does and puts a damper on the safe aspect of housing because now it raises questions of security.”

Smith says they won’t give up on giving this family a home.

“It may delay construction schedule. we don’t foresee it being a long delay but there determining what the remedy will be than we will decide if it will be a week or a month for the homeowner,” said Smith.

JCSO says there are no suspects at this time.

If you have any question about this theft and vandalism, you can call Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 850-482-9624, or Chipola Crimestoppers at 850-526-5000.

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