NEWPORT-Weather-permitting, a community meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, in the youth center (former sanctuary) of Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church to announce plans for a Haitian residential community.

Cocke County native Benny Proffitt, president of First Priority Global, will present information about Ebenezer Haiti Mission, a ministry partner with First Priority.

Plans call for the construction of a residential community on over 50 acres of land owned by the mission.

The mission has been flooded with refugees since a massive earthquake struck the island nearly three weeks ago, doubling the town's population from 60,000 to 120,000.

"We have been working with this mission for 15 years," said Proffitt on Friday. "They have constructed 16 churches and 12 schools. Over 4,000 children are being educated in the schools."

Proffitt emphasized the desperate need for the construction of such a community.

"The citizens have limited construction abilities," he said. "Each cinder block is made on-site. They don't have a Lowe's or Home Depot."

The fundraising effort hopes to meet a goal of $60,000. Once the refugees are able to obtain permanent housing, the establishment will reportedly be turned into a senior complex at the mission.

All area church leaders, business leaders, and interested citizens are urged to attend Thursday's meeting.

In case of inclement weather, Feb. 11 has been chosen as an alternate date.

For more information about the project, call (615) 504-9646.