Most people have heard about Habitat For Humanity, but often, they do not realize the scope of what Habitat For Humanity really encompasses. Laurie Mealy, Director of Habitat For Humanity of Grayson County since 2005, says that there is more to it than just building houses. “There are lots of different components that are involved before we even get to the homebuilding stage. We have so much to do before we can start working on a home. This can involve finding the properties to build on, financing, working with the City to obtain permits or variances, obtaining funding, and finding volunteers and skilled contractors.”
Ms. Mealy states that she first got involved with Habitat For Humanity when she read an article in Time Magazine in 1991, and she has been involved ever since. When asked what drew her to the organization, she says that the organization's mission is so important to her. The mission statement, “Seeking to put God’s love into action,” Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope, really moved her. Habitat for Humanity’s vision statement, “A world where everyone has a decent place to live,” is simple yet equally powerful and important. And she is not alone. The backbone of a strong organization is the community's support and participation.
Fortunately, according to Ms. Mealy, the organization has some wonderful and giving community partners. Caterpillar and Bobcat are just a few of the large corporations to lend a hand in the organization’s efforts. “Those two businesses bring large groups to our projects. Other local businesses that partner with Habitat for Humanity of Grayson County include Nat McClure - State Farm Insurance Agent, Modern Woodmen of America, First United Bank, Ruiz Foods, First State Bank, Easy Life Realty, Independent Financial, Downtown Sherman Now, Trinity Lighthouse Church, Sherman High School Students, Elevance Health Foundation, Austin College students, Trinity Lutheran Church, and Children’s Chorus of Greater North Texas." These are just a few local businesses and friends Habitat for Humanity of Grayson County has partnered with over the last year. ”We can always depend on these partners to bring great enthusiasm and effort to our building projects. We can’t thank them enough. We even had one volunteer that contributed over 7000 volunteer hours.” In addition to local businesses providing funds and resources, Habitat For Humanity of Grayson County also operates the ReStore retail facility at 3822 Frisco Road in Sherman, Texas. The store, staffed by volunteers, raises money to fund the mission to build and repair homes in the community. The store sells gently used building materials and other one-of-a-kind home-related items at a discounted rate to the public.
In addition to building houses, the Habitat For Humanity of Grayson County also helps individuals in need with exterior home repairs. This can be painting, fence repair, yard maintenance and other minor exterior repairs. Of course, all needs and requests must go through a formal process to be reviewed, approved and scheduled. Last year, two homes were constructed, and over ninety-five homes were positively affected by the assistance of Habitat For Humanity of Grayson County. Forty-five houses have been constructed over the years since the affiliate was formed.
Being a faith-based organization, Habitat For Humanity of Grayson County sends ten percent of unrestricted funds raised to other Habitat For Humanity affiliates in undeveloped countries where they can be used to further their mission where funds are not obtained as easily.
Habitat For Humanity of Grayson County is always looking for new partners and volunteers in the community. For more information, visit graysonhabitat.org or email info@graysonhabitat.org.