HPUMC partners with Habitat to build 300 homes

There are just over 300 families (101 in Dallas, Texas and an additional 208 families in ten countries around the world – including Afghanistan) who have been blessed abundantly by God over the past 20 years because of a very unique commitment. All of these families have one thing in common: they have partnered with Habitat for Humanity and Highland Park United Methodist Church (HPUMC) to make their dream of homeownership come true.

So many of us take the roof over our heads for granted, but these 300+ families know what it means to struggle, to live without stability, and to live in fear of the unknown. They know what it feels like to worry about the health and safety of their families as the leaks get larger and the air grows cold.

Homes Partnered With Habitat for Humanity International

*Some part of the construction was done through HPUMC-sponsored mission trips.

List updated as of February 2016

The challenge

In 1995, Rev. Mark Craig, then Sr. Minister, preached a sermon in which he challenged the congregation of HPUMC to make a significant contribution in the low-income area of south Dallas. The vision eventually focused on partnering with Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity to build 100 local homes and 200 homes outside the United States. This commitment made HPUMC Dallas Habitat’s and Habitat for Humanity International’s largest church partner.

All Habitat families are required to complete a rigorous process to ensure they are ready for homeownership. In addition, they contribute 250 hours of “sweat equity” as they help build their Habitat homes. The families must be employed, demonstrate credit-worthiness and qualify for an affordable mortgage. Dallas Habitat also provides homebuyer and financial management programming for each family.

“While there is a common misconception that Habitat donates homes, these families work hard to earn this home and provide a stable environment for their children,” said Bill Hall, CEO of Dallas Habitat. “As we know, homeownership has a positive impact on families, especially children; studies have shown that it has led to successful academic performances, life choices, and future earnings.”

Celebrating the families

In 2013, Julia Sanchez lived in a small, dilapidated house with a leaky roof and ant-covered dirt floor in the Dominican Republic. The mother of three daughters, Julia was constantly worried about the well-being of her children. HPUMC and Habitat partnered with Julia’s family to build a clean, comfortable home. Of the experience, Julia said, “I’ve been through a lot with my children. I’ve moved from place to place, paying rent. I’ve lived in 13 homes in five years, but no more. We now have a safe place to live in our own home - thanks to God and Habitat’s program.”

Down the street, their relatives, Maung and Hsar Lay, moved into their home with their two sons.

“As refugees, both of these families have experienced much change and instability, and the Lays are resilient and extremely deserving of this opportunity to provide a stable home for their family,” said Reverend Paul Rasmussen, senior minister of HPUMC. “Like many other Habitat families, they are excited to raise their children in a safe environment and invest in a home that will be theirs. We are honored to help them on this journey.”

Having contributed more than $5 million over the years, HPUMC will continue to share Habitat’s faith-based mission with a new goal that will double its reach in half the time. At that pace, HPUMC hopes to build homes for 400 families with Dallas Habitat over the next 10 years.