Much has changed over the past several years because of the COVID-19 crisis and its detrimental impact on the ongoing housing crisis. The sad truth is that the housing crisis worldwide is much worse as a result of COVID-19. The United Nations has estimated that more than 200 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty by 2030 because of the severe, long-term impact of the pandemic.
According to Harvard University’s 2022 State of the Nation’s Housing Report, high incomes are needed to afford homes in many metros.
Minimum incomes needed:
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission: $45, 607.00
Brownsville-Harlingen: $45, 423.00
Unfortunately, as per the U.S. Census Bureau (2016-2020), the median household income in the Rio Grande Valley is only $38,542.00, with 29.6% of the RGV’s population living in poverty. Substandard, overcrowded, or unaffordable housing situations only increase feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability for our community members living in these conditions.
Habitat for Humanity of the Rio Grande Valley knows firsthand that better, affordable living conditions lead to improved healthy and stronger childhood development. We know that proper living conditions provide families of Cameron, Willacy, Hidalgo, and Starr counties the ability and financial flexibility to make positive choices for their future. Proper shelter helps to create jobs, revitalize local neighborhoods, attract employers, increase consumer spending and government revenues, and lower the risk of foreclosures, all while bringing transformative benefits to families of the Rio Grande Valley.
However, no matter how many houses we build or repair, we can never hope to solve our communities’ housing needs on our own. If we are going to significantly impact the housing deficit, it will have to be in partnership with community partners and other organizations, public and private.
Habitat is needed more than ever. And now, more than ever, we need you. Habitat for Humanity along with North Park Lexus Rio Grande Valley invite you to our 5th Annual “Mighty Homes of Hope” Fundraiser. Our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
With the help of community supporters like you, “Mighty Homes of Hope” will continue to serve the families of the Rio Grande Valley and help them to have a safe, decent, and affordable place to call “home”.
We thank you for your life-changing support!
How to Participate in Mighty
Witha renewed desire to spend more time with those that matter most, there’s more time to get creative. Show us your crafty side with a fun and decorative model house. Use your unique imagination and decorate a house of your own, with items of your choice. Have your house vividly represent you and your family, team, business, or organization. Use inspiring colors to paint with, add personal touches and create your own Mighty Home of Hope!
Submit your fun masterpiece by October 25th and we’ll feature your home alongside our special collection of Mighty Homes of Hope at North Park Lexus Rio Grande Valley, from November 5 through December 3, 2024.
On Giving Tuesday, your one-of-a-kind home will be auctioned off and proceeds from your home will directly benefit Habitat for Humanity’s mission. Additionally, the top three homes in each category (Habitat Families/Youth and Non-Profits) will receive a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd prize. Participate by entering a Mighty Home of your own or by becoming a corporate sponsor.
How to Enter: Sponsor entry deadline will be on World Habitat Day, October 7, 2024 and ends on Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2024. To participate, you must contact our Habitat for Humanity office at (956) 686-7455 or register online at habitatrgv.org, by no later than October 7, 2024.
Once you are entered, stop by our Habitat for Humanity Restore in McAllen, TX, between the dates of August 6 through October 8, and pick up your Mighty Home of Hope. Pick up will be available at any time between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.
Final entries become sole property of Habitat for Humanity of the Rio Grande Valley. By entering, entrant warrants that his or her entry (1) is original and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party, (2) has not been published in any medium or (3) has not won an award. By entering, entrant also agrees that images of his or her Mighty Homes of Hope entry may be posted online at habitatrgv.org, on official Habitat for Humanity RGV social media outlets, and any other media vehicles where Habitat for Humanity RGV is officially represented, without further notice or compensation for any reason by Sponsor.
Mighty Homes of Hope
Eligibility: Open to the first (5) Habitat for Humanity families and the first (30) organizations/ businesses will be allowed to participate. An entry fee of $25 will be charged to businesses/individuals. There is no entry fee for Habitat families and/or other non-profit organizations and youth groups.
Employees of Habitat for Humanity of the Rio Grande Valley and members of their immediate family and/or those living in the same household of each such employee are not eligible.
Guidelines:
• Habitat for Humanity of the Rio Grande Valley will provide an authorized wooden home for each entry or sponsor
• Mighty Home decorated size cannot extend past the authorized 12”x12”x12” dimensions
• Do not use food or perishable decorations
• Children or young people from the age cate-gory must be involved in making the decorations if the Mighty Home is entered in a child or youth category
• Decorations must be secured to home
• No copyrighted characters
• Once entered, Mighty Homes will become property of Habitat for Humanity of the Rio Grande Valley and auctioned off from November 19, 2024, to December 3, 2024.
Contest winners will be determined by December 3, 2024 and auction bids will be completed by December 4, 2024.
Prizes: $250, $200, $150 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each category (Habitat Families/Youth and Non-Profits)
Mighty Homes of Hope Calendar
Event Launch Date: August 5, 2024
Sponsor & Entry Deadline: October 7, 2024 (World Habitat Day)
Submission Deadline: October 25, 2024
Mighty Homes of Hope Display: November 5 through December 3, 2024
Online Auction Bidding: November 19 through December 3, 2024
VIP Reception: December 3, 2024
Contest Winners Announced: December 3, 2024
Auction Winners Announced: December 4, 2024
Prizes will be awarded to the top three in each category (Habitat Families/Youth and Non-Profits)
Please complete the sponsor or registration form and submit via our website, email, or in person at our Habitat for Humanity of the Rio Grande Valley office in McAllen, by Monday, October 7, 2024.
Entries are limited and will be considered in the order received.
