Habitat for humanity

Habitat for humanity

Written by Katherine Kennedy Sunday, 07 October 2007

Habitat builds foundation for home ownership

Last year ReShawn Castille and her son Derek were living in an apartment; this holiday season they plan on moving into a brand new home.

“We are providing home ownership opportunities for families here in Williamson County,” said executive director Debbie Hoffman. “Our focus is on families with 30-50 percent of the median income.”

Habit for Humanity makes the dream of home ownership a reality by not only helping to build a house, but also by preparing new home owners for their new responsibility.

Applicants are expected to complete 300 to 500 hours of community service, and only 100-150 of those hours goes towards construction work on the house. The other time is spent in the classroom on topics such as home maintenance, home decorating, nutrition, landscaping and lawn maintenance.

Applicants must also complete Financial Peace University, a 13-week video series that teaches financial security and self-sufficiency. Habitat for Humanity then gives new homeowners a 20-year, no interest mortgage.

“Once they pay it off, it is their house,” Hoffman said.

Despite sound financial planning and preparation, what really makes Habitat for Humanity run are its volunteers.

“We need more because we’re building more houses,” Hoffman said. “There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at Habitat. They can work indoors, they can work outdoors, and if they want to help us physically build a house, they can.”

A typical Habitat house requires 2200 volunteer hours to complete. Professional contractors pour the concrete, do the plumbing and electrical work, but the rest is done by volunteers. Homes are finished in four to five months and carry a two-year guarantee.

In July, Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Georgetown and Round Rock merged to form the Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County.

The merger has allowed the organization to grow and build more homes. In 2005 it built two homes, five last year and nine in 2007.

Next year, Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County plans to build 11 homes.

One of those homes is an all-woman-built house slated to begin in February. The organization is looking for female sponsors, construction leaders and volunteers to help build a home for a single mother and her two daughters.

Those who are interested in applying for a Habitat home are required to attend one of the application meetings throughout October. These 11 homes will be located in Georgetown, Round Rock and Taylor and will begin construction in July 2008.

Construction Resale

A little known Habitat for Humanity resource is the Re-Store. Located at 2108 N. Austin Ave. in Georgetown, the Re-Store sells new and used items at 50-70 percent of the normal retail price. These items come from donations by contractors, individuals and homes that have been deconstructed. The store is open to the public. Not only are items available at a discounted rate, but it keeps the materials from going to the landfill. All of the items for sale in the Re-Store have been donated, so all sales benefit Habitat for Humanity. “You can find all sorts of treasures there,” Hoffman said.

Habitat for Humanity, 701 N. Austin Ave., Georgetown, 863-4344 • www.williamsonhabitat.org