It is hard to overstate the benefits that come from having a safe, decent, affordable place to call home. For the past 30 years Habitat Greater Garland has been changing people’s lives by providing strength and stability through home ownership. Owning a home allows families to save more, invest in education, live in healthier environments, have better social outcomes and experience more financial stability. Homeownership is one of the main foundations for success and a better future.
Habitat for Humanity Greater Garland was founded in 1994 to serve the cities of Garland, Rowlett and Sachse, and over its first 23 years built 80 homes for low-income first-time homebuyers. In May 2017, Rich Buquet became the President/CEO and embarked on a mission to “change the image of affordable housing”™.
Since then, the affiliate has built 11 more homes including the monumental task of physically moving three houses from 11th Street and Main, to make way for Veritex Bank’s new Garland branch. Named the “Veterans Build Initiative,” the three 1920’s houses were moved, set on new foundations and completely rebuilt as homes for Veterans. Habitat Greater Garland has also become the leader in North Texas serving over 135 additional homes with major critical repairs, with more than 85 of those households being Veterans of the United States military. These accomplishments are no small feat considering the size and location of the affiliate. Many people think of Habitat for Humanity as one big company or nonprofit. However, each Habitat affiliate is independent and defined by geography. Habitat Greater Garland has had to compete with much larger surrounding affiliates, like Dallas Area HFH and Collin County HFH, for resources, partnerships and donations.
On Oct. 24 at 6 p.m., the nonprofit will host an Anniversary Celebration Dinner at The Atrium at the Granville Arts Center. The event will highlight 30 years of building and bring to the forefront the great plans Habitat Greater Garland has for our Veterans. Soon, a Veterans Pocket Community of 15 single family homes and a community center will be built in Garland, where veterans will have the opportunity to purchase a new home for an affordable mortgage and live in a neighborhood populated by their fellow veterans. The community center will provide many additional veteran-centric services.
RSVPs must be made by Oct. 17. Please visit HFHGG.online-rsvp.com to reserve your place. Your partnerships are truly transforming lives by together, building homes, communities and hope!
Mission/Vision
- Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
- We envision a world where everyone has a decent and affordable place to live.
Submitted by Habitat Greater Garland.