Burglars targeted a Hall County Habitat for Humanity home in search of copper.
Sherricka Smith has worked two years to earn the home on Triple Creek Bend Road in Gainesville, Ga. She and the Habitat for Humanity volunteers arrived Wednesday to find thousands of dollars in damage to the three-bedroom house.
"All the wiring was cut and stripped out," said Robert Aikin of the Hall County Habitat for Humanity. "The copper that was stolen will probably yield them about $50. It's going to cost us over $3,500 to come in and pull the scraps out and rewire this entire project."
The crooks also cut into a tool shed and stole about $1,600 worth equipment.
"The effort and time they've put in -- the donations, the tools were actually donated. It hurts the community all the way around," said Aikin.
Project leaders plan on taking funds from a future Habitat house to repair this one and ensure Smith has a home to call her own.
"I'm just so humbled and excited rolled all in one. It's the girls' dream to have the white picket fence," said Smith.
Smith was planning on moving into the home next month. The setback may push back the move-in date by a couple of weeks.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:11 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:11:21 GMT
Atlanta police have arrested two brothers for running what they say was a major fraud ring that caused small businesses across the country to lose more than $300,000.
Atlanta police have arrested two brothers for running what they say was a major fraud ring that caused small businesses across the country to lose more than $300,000.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:22 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:22:48 GMT
Defense attorneys want the governor's report on Atlanta Public Schools cheating thrown out. They say educators were threatened to cooperate with investigators or lose their jobs.
Defense attorneys want the governor's report on Atlanta Public Schools cheating thrown out. They say educators were threatened to cooperate with investigators or lose their jobs.