HOME & GARDEN
To Build { NONPROFIT }
a Home
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF ELLIS COUNTY
HOME HABITAT IN WAXAHACHIE
BY IZAMAR LOREDO
In 1984, former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn took an active interest in a unique organization called Habitat for Humanity, propelling it into the national spotlight. Today, Habitat for Humanity continues its noble work, making the American Dream of owning a home come true for those who need it the most- including some right here in Ellis County. Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County was started in 2001 by a group of 20 residents concerned with providing decent housing to those in need. Habitat for Humanity strives to “promote decent, affordable housing for all and support the global community’s commitment to housing as a basic human right.” “Habitat supports people by helping them build a home and by giving them opportunities to
2nd Annual
Festival of Trees NOVEMBER 21, 22
WAXAHACHIE BIBLE CHURCH The two-day fundraiser will consist of a silent auction and a day full of fun activities for children. NOVEMBER 21: Silent auction of more than 150 items such as Christmas trees, décor, stockings, wreaths, yard art, and much more along with entertainment featuring local talent
NOVEMBER 22: Children’s room filled with fun activities, pictures with Santa, crafts, cookie decorating, and letters to Santa Sponsorships available. If interested, contact Stu Stephenson, stubill@sbcglobal.net
own their own homes,” Secretary Suzy Keane said. “We don’t give them a house, we help them acquire a house they can afford.” In order to qualify, a family must complete an application, which is available online at www.ellishabitat.org. They must be able to show a need, such as presently living in substandard housing or poverty in Ellis County. The family must be able to pay an interest-free mortgage with an affordable monthly payment. This money goes to Habitat for more houses for other families. They must pass various benchmarks such as a credit check and finally, they must be willing to partner with Habitat in their Sweat Equity Program, a vital part of the organization. Sweat Equity consists of 250 hours (350 hours for couples) of volunteer time helping build another family’s home or their own home, doing clerical work or lot maintenance for Habitat. After the hours are completed, the volunteer will then be eligible to have their own home started. Family and friends are welcome to help their loved ones complete their sweat equity hours. Since their founding, Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County has built two houses in Ennis, one house in Midlothian, and seven in Waxahachie. Because of their small size, they don’t have the same manpower as some of the bigger chapters. The chapter is fully volunteer-run, so the building takes place on Saturdays, when the volunteers are off from work. It usually takes the group a year to a year and a half to build a home. However, before any building can take place, Habitat must have $60,000 in funds in the bank. Because Habitat of Ellis County is a fully autonomous organization with its own board of directors, it is completely responsible for its own fundraising. They raise money through different fundraisers throughout the year, their largest being the Festival of Trees, which takes place once
a year in November. This year, they hope to raise $25,000 and feature 150 items at their auction. Monetary donations are also welcome, as are volunteers and their time. Perhaps the most unique quality of this organization is how its beneficiaries have such a large hand in what goes into helping them. “People are not receiving help, they are helping themselves,” Keane said. “It’s a hand up, not a hand out.” By the time the house is finished, the family has seen and worked through the entire process of building. The moment the house is finished is a powerful moment for all involved. “The kids usually run through the house excitedly, checking out their new rooms and the new amount of space they have to move around in,” Keane said. “It’s special to watch because even though they’ve worked on it and seen it all through the process, they’re always very grateful and awed to see the finished product.” Waxahachie has been invaluable in their help to the organization. From donations made by various local businesses to help from the city in facilitating building, Habitat knows it could not help as many families as they have without receiving help themselves. “It’s a community effort to improve living conditions and give a hand up to those in need,” Vice President John Keane said. “Habitat’s work is a way of assisting others in taking a step towards a more empowered life, giving them pride in accomplishment and home ownership. It’s paying it forward.”