But after investigators talked with neighbors and tracked down the buyers of the furniture, they obtained a warrant charging Jennifer Kelly, 35, with first-degree arson in the July 23 blaze.
As of Wednesday, sheriff's deputies still had not been able to find and arrest Kelly, officials said. She could face a maximum sentence of 20 years and a $50,000 fine, if convicted.
Albany Deputy Fire Chief James Carswell said Kelly had gotten behind on mortgage payments and told several people that she would burn the home before she would allow Habitat to take it back.
``She used a candle to set the bedding on fire,'' he said. ``Through talking to neighbors, we found out that moving trucks were there the day before. We got statements from people she sold things to.''
Kelly told investigators she was using the candle to provide light, but the investigation ``pointed to her setting the fire,'' Carswell said.
Habitat for Humanity International, an Americus, Ga.-based nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing group that builds homes for needy families, has provided more than 175,000 homes in 100 countries. After screening prospective homeowners, Habitat provides no-interest, no-profit loans to the buyers.
Homeowners have to be willing to provide ``sweat equity'' by taking part in the construction of their houses.
Joedy Isert, Habitat's public relations director, said the Kelly case is ``extremely rare.''
The group's Albany affiliate, Flint River Habitat, plans to rebuild the $43,000 home, which was insured, said Stacey Driggers, the affiliate's executive director. The affiliate has built 103 homes in Albany since 1986.
Usually families ``truly love their homes and take a lot of pride in them,'' she said.
Driggers said Kelly moved into the three-bedroom home with her husband and two children in 2002. The husband and children were not living there when the house burned, she said.
``She was behind on her payments,'' Driggers said. ``But from what I understand there were family problems. Several things may have contributed to her alleged actions. We're just sorry and hope to get the home rebuilt.''
When selecting prospective homeowners, the Albany affiliate considers a family's need, its willingness to perform sweat equity and make a down payment and its commitment to paying the mortgage, Driggers said.
Carswell said most Habitat families are thankful to get Habitat homes.
``In this case, it's a shame she didn't take care of what was given to her,'' he said.
