Oh the symbolism!

This is simply connotation rich:

RESIDENTS of a model housing estate bankrolled by Hollywood celebrities and hand-built by Jimmy Carter, the former US president, are complaining that it is falling apart.

Fairway Oaks was built on northern Florida wasteland by 10,000 volunteers, including Carter, in a record 17-day “blitz” organised by the charity Habitat for Humanity.

Eight years later it is better known for cockroaches, mildew and mysterious skin rashes.

A forthcoming legal battle over Fairway Oaks threatens the reputation of a charity envied for the calibre of its celebrity supporters, who range from Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt to Colin Firth, Christian Bale and Helena Bonham Carter.

...

April Charney, a lawyer representing many of the 85 homeowners in Fairway Oaks, said she had no problems taking on Habitat for Humanity, despite its status as a “darling of liberal social activists”. She said the charity should have told people that part of the estate had been built on a rubbish dump.

One man pulled up his floorboards to find rubbish 5ft deep under his kitchen. Other complaints include cracking walls and rotting door frames that let in rats and ants. Many residents have complained of mildew and mysterious skin rashes.

One resident said her children were suffering from skin complaints. “The intentions are good, but when the politicians and big-shot stars have left we’re stuck with the consequences. This house looks pretty but inside it either stinks or sweats,” she said.

I think that last statement: "When the politicians and the big-shots have left, we're stuck with the consequences"  is lesson rich, especially for pop-culture aficionados and those who treasure style over substance.

In fact, this entire piece speaks to that mindset and loudly.

Comments

[allyHM]

While appreciating the symbolism in this article, I'd like to point out that not all Habitat for Hummanity projects are like this. Our local HFH has never had a celeb anywhere near it, and the homes are wonderfully made as they have to meet local county and state standards/code. I know a lot of folks in the home construction business here, and it "ain't" easy to do. I wonder if the shoddy construction of the homes in this article are that way due to either low standards/code OR poor (lack of?) correct and thorough inspection.