Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity Begins New Dothan Build
Construction is underway on a new home for resident Bertha Ward in Dothan.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Residential
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Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity has officially launched construction on a new residential project for Bertha Ward. The build marks the 157th home completed by the organization in southeast Alabama.
Why it matters
The project addresses a critical shortage of affordable housing in Dothan. Rising real estate prices have increasingly kept homeownership out of reach for many local families.
A typical home in Dothan now costs more than $200,000, representing an increase of $60,000 since 2020. This home marks the 157th build by the organization in the region.
The players
Bertha Ward
Bertha Ward is the local Dothan resident who has been selected as the recipient of the new home.
Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity
Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that facilitates homeownership for low-income families in southeast Alabama.
Stone Martin Builders
Stone Martin Builders is the construction firm that partnered with the non-profit to execute the residential project.
The details
Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity partnered with Stone Martin Builders to manage the construction process on an empty lot. The collaborative effort aims to provide housing stability in a market defined by significant cost growth.
Timeline
Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity began building homes in 1991.
The year 2020 serves as the baseline for comparing local home price increases.
Construction on the home for Bertha Ward officially began in October 2026.
Culture Shift
The project reflects a broader societal shift as non-profits respond to the rapid inflation of residential costs. It highlights the growing challenge of maintaining housing affordability in communities facing significant market appreciation relative to the 2020 Dothan housing market price baseline.
The new build aims to provide a stable, attainable housing option for a local family amidst a difficult market. Prospective homeowners may find that partnering with local non-profits offers a viable pathway to equity in an area where typical home prices now exceed $200,000.
The takeaway
This project underscores how community partnerships are being leveraged to navigate the current housing affordability gap. Families facing rising costs are encouraged to explore non-profit assistance programs as a primary avenue for securing long-term residential stability.
Further reading
Learn more about local housing initiatives at the Residential section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wtvy.
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