ROBERTSDALE, Ala. -- In March of 2014, 10 homes in Robertsdale will be getting a facelift, thanks to the efforts of Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County, Robertsdale United Methodist Church and United Bank.

Walter O. Hendrix, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County, addressed the Robertsdale City Council on Monday, asking for the city’s support of the program.

“We really don’t need you to make a monetary donation,” he said. “We can take care of that. We just need help identifying homes in need of help and possibly helping with home inspections and waiving permit fees, things like that.”

Baldwin County is one of 30 programs throughout the country asked to participate in the program, called “A Brush with Kindness.

“We did a similar program when I was in Lagrange, Ga., where we did 25 houses in one week,” Hendrix said. “Here we’re just planning to do 10 homes during the month of March.”

The program involves mostly outside cosmetic repairs, such as painting, landscaping, weather-stripping and minor repair work, done with volunteer support which will be coordinated by the church, Hendrix said.

“This is such a great opportunity for our church family and our community to provide a facelift for families in need,” said the Rev. Steve Spinning, RUMC pastor. “I can’t see any way that this isn’t beneficial to our community.”

Hendrix said he wanted to work with the city to identify houses which would qualify for the program.

“Historically most of the homeowners are senior citizens,” he said, “but anyone can apply for the program.”

The program is also working with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta on a grant program which provides funding for home weatherization, Hendrix said.

“The bank is not funded by the federal government, but acts kind of like a bank for other banks,” Hendrix said.

The applications process for the program will start soon, Hendrix said. A similar program is also being planned for Bay Minette and plans are to expand from there into other parts of the county.

The city council voted unanimously Monday to support the program.

City Attorney Ken Raines said he wanted to look into the legality of supporting the program before committing to any type of funding or waiving of funds.

“I know I have seen a negative attorney general’s opinion in regards to municipalities donating to Habitat for Humanity,” Raines said, “but since this isn’t actually giving them money, I’m not sure that would apply in this case. I just want to look into it before we move forward and hopefully it won’t be a problem.”

For more information about applying for the program, call Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County at 943-7268 or visit baldwinhabitat.org.

In other business on Monday, the council:

• Approved the Robertsdale Volunteer Fire Department roster effective Oct. 1.

• Approved renewal of the Central Christian School Athletic Booster Club corporate sponsorship at a cost of $150.

• Approved utility account write-offs in the amount of $49,000. City chief financial officer Ann Simpson said the figure represents 0.3 percent of the amount billed over the past year.