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Virtual HabiTour

"I was so moved that I became the Executive Director and I continue to volunteer as a family sponsor."
My name is Susan White. I am the Executive Director here at Habitat. I came to Habitat about three years ago from the corporate world. After working as a Habitat volunteer, I became moved by the tangible difference this program makes not only in the lives of the Habitat homeowners and their families but also in the community. I was so moved that I became the Executive Director and I continue to volunteer as a family sponsor.

Let me give you a brief overview of what we do, our history, and where we are going. Please see Habitat at work throughout this Virtual HabiTour presentation.

Habitat for Humanity is a partnership. It is a partnership between Habitat, the community and the hardworking families we serve who want to help themselves. We believe that there are no obstacles, only perfect partnerships.

Habitat is an ecumenical Christian nonprofit organization but welcomes those of any faith or no faith to join the work of eliminating poverty housing in our community. We rely on the gifts of time, talent, cash, materials and professional services from individuals, churches, organizations, businesses, corporations, foundations, schools. Together, we build simple, decent, safe and affordable houses.

Founded 25 years ago by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity has built over 100,000 around the world and has attracted dedicated volunteers such as Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. Right here in North West Harris County we have built 65 houses so far. We build in the Spring, Klein, Cypress Fairbanks and Tomball independent school districts. Our three neighborhoods are -----. Our third and current neighborhood – Carrell Manor II - is a cul de sac designed to hold 24 houses. 11 of these houses are complete and now owned by Habitat families including 35 children. It is our goal for the remaining 13 houses, to be finished and home to their families in June of 2002.

There are 3 cul de sacs just north of Carrell Manor II that comprise Carrell Manor I, our first completed neighborhood. 25 Habitat families with children live in Carrell Manor I.

With the help of Redwine Foundation and Compaq, we were able to purchase 34 lots off Cherry Street in Tomball. These lots make up Hampton Place. Last year we completed 18 houses in Hampton Place. These houses are home to 28 adults and 49 children.

Our program also offers volunteers an opportunity to connect with others who believe that every American deserves a decent roof over their heads if they are willing to work for it. Every Wednesday and Saturday volunteers come to help our families build their houses. These volunteers come from all walks of life but share a vision of a community with no poverty housing. On an average Wednesday during the building season, you can see around 35 volunteers working. On Saturdays, we have around 120 volunteers.

It takes land, money, materials, qualified families, mentors, volunteers on the construction site, in committees and in the office to keep us building. So far, this affiliate has built 65 houses in three neighborhoods here in Tomball. Each house costs $45,000 to build and we have 25 families working on their sweat equity at a record pace.

Our goal for 2002 is to raise $1 million to build 19 houses and build the infrastructure and streets for our fourth neighborhood in the SH249 and W. Mount Houston area where we plan to build 50 more houses on 7.5 acres.

The need for decent, simple, affordable housing in our community can be seen in the number of qualified applicants we have and we expect 200 – 300 families to fill out applications on this February.

During these times of uncertainty, the work of Habitat for Humanity has never been more relevant, our value to the community and the families we serve is tangible.

I invite you to sign on as a volunteer for a work day Saturday, in our office or on one of our committees and enjoy the unique and moving Habitat experience. It is easy to join our growing team of volunteers. I urge you follow our jack rabbit to the Join Us sunset and fill in your contact information.