Habitat for Humanity of Greater Garland dedicated three new homes Saturday, May 7. HFHGG had purchased the property on which the homes were built in 2021. The three lots, which were the original Newman homestead, are at the corner of Clinton and Newman streets. The land had been vacant for a number of years.
Rich Buquet, president/CEO of HFHGG, along with several staff members, were on hand to celebrate with the families. In his remarks, Buquet praised the staff for their hard work and dedication. Those in attendance were: LaVonda Black, office/accounting manager; Heather Turck, compliance specialist; Jerry Dozier, ReStore assistant manager; Ellen Katzen, accounting associate; Carolyn Buquet, director of ReStores; Cameron Johnson, vice chair, board of directors; and Kelly Buford, secretary, board of directors
Mona Woodard from the city of Garland Housing and Community Services Department, as well as Mayor Scott LeMay, District 2 Council Member Deborah Morris and District 5 Council Member Rich Aubin attended the ceremony
Buquet thanked partners including Fidelity National Title, Inwood Bank and Town Square Mortgage as third-party mortgage lenders. In addition, Garland Housing and Community Services, Blue Nail Roofing, Anderson Corporation and Lowes were been contributing partners in the construction.
Woodard explained that the city provides HFHGG with funding through grants to help support building homes. After the homes are built, the city allows for a loan for the clients that is non-payable back to the city so they are able to get into the house.
“They are paying for a portion of the mortgage, but almost 40% of the mortgage they won’t pay for because it is a grant through the city,” she said.
The new homeowners also invest in their homes through more than 300 “sweat equity” hours.
Buquet has led the affiliate for five years. He’s proud to be a part of helping to provide affordable housing to deserving families. HFHGG has built 90 homes since its 1994 inception. However, Buquet’s goal is to build the 100th home by the time the affiliate celebrates its 30-year anniversary in May 2024. In addition, he is intent on changing the Image of affordable housing” in the Greater Garland area.
“Affordable homeownership is a huge problem with limited solutions,” Buquet said. “Homeownership is the main way for families to build wealth and create a better future for them and their children. However, it is becoming more difficult to attain for those earning 60-80% of Area Median Income.”
Garland’s mayor was happy to see the corner brought back to life.
“Building these houses reactivated this land,” LeMay said. “It’s good for the city, the neighborhood and of course, for the homeowners. To take a giant spot that has been sitting empty and to have three families living there, that is a win for everybody.”
Morris represents District 2 where the homes are located. She said that it was a joy to welcome new families to the district.
“Habitat for Humanity has changed the whole image of affordable housing,” she said. “Every time they build a new home in my district, I get flooded with calls from citizens wanting to buy it. That’s how beautiful these homes are.”
Aubin is grateful to have Habitat in Garland.
“This is the 90th house that Habitat for Humanity of Greater Garland has built in this city. Also, there are all the things they do just to help people fix up their homes and improve our community,” he said.
Buquet said that the “joy factor” makes everything they do worthwhile.
“We’re always trying to find ways to accomplish a great end with limited resources,” he said. “We see the joy in the families’ eyes and that makes it all worthwhile. God blesses us.”