PrivacyAbout Us
Although we are an overtly Christian organization, we do not discriminate against other religious beliefs. We welcome partnerships with other religions. Neither buyers, nor volunteers are required to be Christians.
The affiliate works in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International. However, our organization raises our own money and uses this money to build in our own community. Our Board of Directors is a local board of the Marshall area. Your help goes to helping the Marshall area.
We are a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. All your kind donations are tax deductible provided by law. Each gift you make helps a family in need of decent shelter.
OUR PROJECTS:
Habitat for Humanity is new to the Marshall area. We broke ground on our first house October 24, 1998, and completed it in the summer of ’99. It is located at 602 E. Houston, and is owned by the Allen Landry family.
We have completed a total of four homes in the Marshall area and construction in underway on the fifth at 22 Buena Visa Drive.
OUR PLANS:
Our goal is to eliminate substandard housing in the Marshall area. It is the goal of Habitat for Humanity International to do the same all over the world. Our goal is to eliminate substandard housing in this area by constructing at least two homes per year. This is an ambitious goal considering we are almost completely dependant on donations to cover construction costs.
HOW HABITAT WORKS:
Houses built by Habitat are sold to qualified partner families. Most of these families have never owned a home before. Great pains are taken and an extensive amount of time is invested to ensure each family is equipped for the responsibilities of home ownership.
The homes our volunteers built are purchased with a no profit, interest free mortgage. Whatever we spend to build the home is what the mortgage owner pays. Spread over 20 to 25 years.
The payments on the mortgages, and all monies received by the affiliate, (after a 10% tithe to the International Organization), go directly into the construction of more houses.
The 10% portion that is raised locally is tithed to Habitat International so that affiliates in other parts of the world may provide decent shelter for those in need. For example, assume our last home cost $31,500 to build. We would tithe $3150 which could be sent to some country like the Philippines where it could be used to build 3 complete houses. If you would like 100% of your donation to stay in the Marshall area, we will honor your request.
Habitat gives people a “hand up,” not a “hand out.” It is not a give-away program, nor does it depend upon governmental aid.
By using volunteer labor and tax deductible donations of money and materials from business, Habitat can build simple and decent, but not fancy housing. This takes families out of substandard living conditions and allows them to live in decent, clean environment.
The entire Habitat process builds confidence, raises self-esteem, and teaches new skills. Each home purchaser is required to put in hundreds of hours of “sweat equity” to help build their own home. These volunteers and donors become partners in the building process. New relationships are established. The community is revitalized.
No other activity gives each of us a greater opportunity to live our faith than Habitat. We invite you to join us.
Please call me if you have any questions about us or how you can help. I look forward to our conversations.
Jerry
Benson, President
(903) 407-89377
Habitat for Humanity of the Marshall Area, Inc.