Renovation of the first of three 1920s houses that were moved from the corner of Main and Eleventh Streets to make way for Veritex Community Bank is complete. Veritex donated the houses to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Garland (HFHGG).
Jesse Masters, a veteran of the U.S. Navy who has a service-related disability, and his wife Zoe, bought the home through HFHGG. As first-time homebuyers, the couple is humbled by the help of so many strangers that worked together to help make their dream a reality.
“Since Jesse got out of the Navy, he has been going to school and working so hard despite his injury,” Zoe said. “And I have also been going to school and work in the hope of becoming a nurse. This home brings us the security to finish our degrees and build a family.”
The grateful couple was happy to get moved into the home in time for Christmas.
“This home and the generosity of both Habitat for Humanity of Greater Garland and the city of garland has inspired us greatly,” Zoe shared. “My husband and I are and will always be so grateful for the opportunity and look forward to passing on the kindness that we were shown.”
HFHGG has been working on rehabbing the three homes donated by Veritex. According to Heather Turck, an accounting and compliance specialist with the organization, it has been a long two-year process.
“With the help of grant funding through the city of Garland Community Development Program and Inwood Bank, we were able to help this young couple qualify for their first house.”
All three of the homes were designated as Veterans Build homes. Recipients for the other two homes have been chosen. One will go to a 10+ year Army Reserve veteran and her aging mother. The other will go to a married couple, both U.S. Navy veterans, who have six children.
HFHGG marketed the homes through veterans’ organizations. Recipients had to be honorably discharged, have demonstrated a need for housing and have a willingness to partner with the organization.
About HFHGG: Founded in 1993, Habit for Humanity of Greater Garland is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization, Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). Operating on Christian principles, Habitat of Greater Garland shares the mission of Habitat International, seeking to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. HFHGG is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in Garland, Rowlett, Sachse, and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and *preserving homes, by advocating for fair and just housing policies, and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable, and decent place to live in dignity and safety, and this should be a matter of conscience and action for all.