Habitat for Humanity is a global, nonprofit housing organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing worldwide. Habitat Collin County supports this mission at the local level and brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
A Hand Up, Not a Handout
Habitat families work alongside volunteers in the building of their homes. They take financial education classes and pay a needs-based mortgage. Through home ownership, Habitat families achieve long-term financial security which helps create stability and independence, giving them a foundation for a better life in addition to a safe and secure place to call home. This has a ripple effect in the community, as improved housing increases access to education, reduces health risks, and creates jobs.
Local Communities
Habitat Collin County currently has two projects under construction: Cotton Groves, a 35-home project in McKinney, and a five-home project in Princeton. McKinney is the site of a new, sustainable, and eco-conscious community, the first and only location in the world implementing shipping container construction.
“We decided to try it because it’s innovative and green,” says CEO, Celeste Cox, “We reuse materials, install solar panels, and use spray foam insulation which is very energy efficient.”
There are currently six container homes under construction. Among the biggest needs for the next 29 homes are sponsors for the home builds, sponsors for solar panels, and welders.
Not Just Brick and Mortar
The organization does more than build homes, they change communities through positive relationships.
“It’s not just brick, mortar, and 2x4s,” says Cox, “We bring communities together.”
Volunteers who help build homes gain a sense of satisfaction and pride while helping their neighbors and making a difference in the community.
This is certainly true for Marketing Director Joe Overley who has a 20-year partnership with Habitat. He began as a volunteer, but recently became an employee. He recalls his first build: “We got to meet the family we were supporting, and it was so impactful to see how real, how personal, and how important the work is.”
Cox, too, has been with Habitat for 20 years. “What keeps me here are the families — watching babies grow up and do so well, attending graduations and weddings … it’s very rewarding work.”
Habitat Collin County helps people in need and strengthens communities by creating a brighter future for all.
Cox adds with a proud smile, “It’s all because of a house.”
Volunteering for Habitat Collin County jobs is easy, simply visit https://habitatcollincounty.org/volunteer/ to create your volunteer profile and see the calendar of events.