A dire lack of affordable housing is one of the most concerning issues facing North Texans, particularly in Denton County. This crisis has spurred the efforts of Habitat for Humanity along with its municipal, community, and business partners, to begin construction on a new housing village on the south side of Denton.
Troy Greisen, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity Denton County, has a long devotion to the nonprofit sector, with a background in special needs, human trafficking, medical disabilities, and refugee aid. He believes the need for safe and affordable housing is the most urgent issue Denton is currently facing.
“Affordable housing is even more difficult to get in Denton than in Dallas,” Greisen says. “This is the fastest-growing issue in our community. We are actively pursuing solutions alongside our partners.”
Several years ago, an eight-acre historic property was acquired by Habitat for Humanity with the intent of creating a Habitat Village. Located at the intersection of Teasley Lane and Fort Worth Drive; the land was a longtime homestead and had never been developed. Thirty-five homes are now slated for construction in the village. Habitat recently completed the first build on the property, which was sponsored in large part by the Greater Denton/Wise County Association of REALTORS®.
"Supporting affordable housing initiatives like Habitat Village reflects our commitment to helping families achieve the dream of homeownership,” explains Tori Wilson with the Greater Denton/County Association of Realtors. “Through our partnership with Habitat for Humanity, we were proud to sponsor and help build the first home in the village for the Cortes family, and we look forward to seeing this neighborhood become home to many more families in the years to come."
Momentum continues to build as a second home is now underway in the new Habitat Village. Greisen refers to this project as an “interfaith build” because 35 church and other faith groups are contributing to its construction. It is a desperately needed effort intended to galvanize the community.
“We design these builds for sponsors and donors to come together,” Greisen says. “It’s a very special scenario designed to put them together arm in arm.”
Families who purchase homes in the Habitat Village finance their investment through zero-interest mortgages. This financial relief can provide the stability needed to alter living conditions for generations to come.
“We sold a home to a single mother who was living in a small apartment with unsafe living conditions in Denton,” Greisen reflects. “Habitat was able to provide her with a larger home, a lower monthly payment, and continued stability for her children.”
To contribute to Habitat for Humanity of Denton County, visit habitatdentoncounty.org. Home goods donations are also accepted at the Habitat ReStore, located at 1614 W. University Drive in Denton. Funding from the ReStore directly benefits the Habitat Village.
We design these builds for sponsors and donors to come together. It’s a very special scenario designed to put them together arm in arm.