Rome’s Habitat for Humanity exceeded its goal in its first fund drive.

Executive Director Bruce Day told the 22nd annual meeting of Habitat For Humanity of Rome and Floyd County, held Tuesday night, the drive raised some $216,000, exceeding its goal of $200,000.

But the group will not be resting on its laurels as he announced that a new goal has already been set.

Day said that goal is $220,000 with a challenge goal of $250,000.

“We’re hoping new businesses will help us reach this goal,” he said.

Habitat officials said HomeMart, a store acting as a fundraiser for Habitat For Humanity, helped the organization exceed its goals, reporting sales of more than $100,000 this year with a net profit of almost $36,000.

Located at 615 Excelsior St., HomeMart accepts donations for Habitat For Humanity and acts as a retail store, with profits going to Habitat For Humanity of Rome and Floyd County.

Also, recognition and appreciation plaques were presented to businesses and organizations especially helpful to the local organization.

Those plaques were presented to Darlington Schools, First Baptist Church of Rome, Wheeler’s Building Materials, State Mutual Insurance Company, Citizens First Bank, South Rome Redevelopment Corporation, Ware Mechanical, Rome Runners Club and the students and staff of Floyd County Schools.

Day thanked area businesses, churches and organizations for helping with the efforts of Habitat For Humanity.

“There are over 2,300 families in our community desperate for homes right now,” Day said.

To donate to Habitat For Humanity or for further details, call 706-378-0030 or visit online at www.habitatrome.com.