Garland Area Habitat for Humanity recently welcomed Christine Hockin-Boyd as its new executive director. Boyd brings more than 30 years of nonprofit experience to the organization as well as extensive service in church ministries, missions and social services.
Her dedication to helping others has resulted in numerous awards including two Non-Profit Leadership Awards as well as the 2015 Top 25 Women in Business Award from the McKinney Chamber of Commerce.
This is Boyd’s first experience with Habitat for Humanity and she shared that one of the first things she discovered is that the team at GAHFH is amazing.
“You couldn’t squelch their spirit if you tried,” she said. “They love what they do.”
She moved to Garland in 1986 while working at First Baptist Church as the children & discipleship minister. She worked there for 10 years before moving on to other nonprofits in the Dallas area. She’s happy to be working in Garland again.
One of the primary reasons that Boyd was drawn to the job at GAHFH is that it is a faith-based organization.
“That’s what I do,” she said. I’m a minister at heart. That’s all I’ve done since I was 20-years-old.”
Additionally she enjoys being a part of a local organization that works so diligently to meet the need of affordable housing.
“We average building four or five homes per year and the goal is to increase that number each year,” Boyd said. “We have lofty goals…Just as the Lord cares for us and provides in ways that we need, we have the opportunity to come alongside families and help them care for their needs. One of the priority needs is a roof over their heads.”
She penned a quote that describes her stance on serving others, “A community stands tallest when it kneels to lend a helping hand.”
“That is what Habitat does,” Boyd said. “And they do it very well.”
She added that partnerships with other organizations help make it possible. The organization works with churches, businesses, other service groups and countless others to provide homes and Boyd plans to be out in the community rallying other groups and individuals to join in the effort.
“I truly believe that the communities we serve, Garland, Rowlett and Sachse, can stand tall and lend a helping hand,” she said.
Boyd and Community Outreach Director Beth Ellermeier-Leos hope to involve all age groups in their mission and there are ways that everyone can help. People are needed to answer the phone and help with administrative duties including mailings, thank you notes and data entry. Another need is for groups or individuals to provide and deliver lunch to the volunteers who are building the homes.
Monetary contributions are always needed. Donations for the ReStore, Home Depot, Lowe’s and Office Depot gift cards and bottled water are also appreciated.
The organization currently needs volunteers who can commit to build on a specific schedule. No prior construction experience is required.
About GAHFH: Garland Area Habitat for Humanity is a 501(c)3 non-profit and an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, we partner with local individuals and organizations to provide safe, affordable, energy-efficient homes for low-income families in the Greater Garland area. We are the only Habitat affiliate building homes in Garland. Our office is located at 1110 Main Street, Garland, TX 75040. Our phone number is 972-272-8530. Office hours are 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday and Friday. Visit our ReStore at 2360 Crist Road, Suite 700 in Garland. Proceeds from the ReStore help build homes. For more information call 972-495-2400, or visit www.garlandhabitatrestore.org.