There are over 3,000 substandard homes right here in the Bryan/College Station community. Habitat for Humanity’s vision is to eliminate substandard housing locally and worldwide. That dedication is what makes Habitat for Humanity the 2009 Readers' Choice Award for “Best Non-Profit Organization.”
Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Founded in 1989, Habitat has partnered with over 170 families, 700 people, to build a simple, decent, and affordable home of their own. Once the homes are completed, families purchase them at cost through zero-interest twenty to thirty-year mortgages.
Linda and Millard Fuller founded Habitat for Humanity in 1976 near Americus, Georgia. The Fullers worked with Clarence Jordan, a farmer and biblical scholar, on developing the concept of "partnership housing." The concept centered on those in need of adequate shelter working side by side with volunteers to build simple, decent houses.
In 1989, several community volunteers realized the need for addressing substandard housing in our own backyard. After contacting Habitat for Humanity International, the group was determined to create a local affiliate. At first, Habitat started building one house at a time over the course of many months. Now the grassroots effort has grown into the fourth largest affiliate in the state of Texas building 20+ homes annually.
This year, Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Over the past twenty years they have partnered with over 170 families, in the next five years they plan to partner with 100 more.
Habitat for Humanity is not a giveaway program. Rather, Habitat for Humanity offers a "hand up" not a "hand out." Each family is required to complete 500 hours of sweat equity (volunteer labor), 12 weeks of homeownership workshop classes, and purchase their home at cost through zero-interest 20-30 year mortgage. Partner families grow with other families in the program, Habitat volunteers, and staff creating a community where everyone feels valued.
The organization is unique in that every hour and dollar invested can be seen, felt, and touched. Simply walk through one of Habitat’s three subdivisions on a weekend and you will see what Habitat supporters have built. Neighbors barbecuing, children riding their bikes up and down the sidewalks, and homes cared for with pride. Habitat aspires to not just build homes, but build communities.
Habitat for Humanity is both honored and touched to win Readers' Choice. Habitat would like to thank the local community for their continued support and passion to eliminate substandard housing. For more information about how you can get involved visit habitatbcs.org or call 979-823-7200.
