Thad Moore may not be a whiz with a hammer or saw, but his ability to use a pen has saved the Escambia County Habitat for Humanity thousands of dollars in legal expenses for the 16 years.
Moore, an attorney with the firm of Otts, Moore, Coale and Godwin, has been a volunteer with the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate since it began in the 1990s.
“I learned a long time ago I couldn’t do much with the building of a house,” Moore said. “But I knew I could do the legal work. I’ve spoken to churches and clubs around the area on behalf of Habitat.”
Alecia Glaize, director of HFH, said Moore’s services have gone far beyond providing legal advice and expertise.
“Mr. Moore has taken care of the signing of legal documents between Habitat homeowners and our organization for many, many years,” Glaize said. “Because most of the homeowners have never had to go through that kind of legal thing, his compassion helped some families who were nervous about closing. He has always been so patient and respectful with the way he interacts with our families. He is an asset to Habitat and this comunity. He truly lives out the spirit of Habitat.”
Moore has made a decision to pass along the gavel to another attorney who will take over in the area of legal services for Habitat.
“Edward McMillan will be stepping in to work with Habitat,” Moore said. “He has my support and anything he needs, I’ll be available. It’s good to bring others into the organization. When you do, they bring their friends and family with them. It’s always good to have young blood come into an organization.”
Glaize, along with members of the board for Escambia County Habitat for Humanity, recently produced a resolution in honor of the countless hours of work Moore has provided to the volunteer organization.
The resolution reads:
“Whereas, Mr. John Thaddeus Moore helped establish the Greater Brewton Habitat for Humanity affiliate in 1996, and
“Whereas, Mr. Moore has generously donated his professional legal services to our Habitat affiliate for 16 years, and
“Whereas, Mr. Moore has presided over the closings for new homes for eighteen Habitat families, helping to make their dream of home ownership a reality, and
“Where as, Mr. Moore has served our organization and our Habitat families with a Christ-like spirit of competence, compassion, patience, and respect;
“Be it therefore resolved that the Escambia County Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors, does herby express our sincere gratitude to Mr. John Thaddeus Moore for his faithful service to our organization, the families we serve, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Moore said he plans to continue his work, in some form, with Habitat.
“I’m not retiring,” Moore said. ‘I’m just giving someone else an opportunity to enjoy working with Habitat.”