Habitat Blog

It only seems like yesterday that I sat down to write this very same blog and again  the holidays are in full swing and Christmas is almost here!

At Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio, we like to take a moment to remind you each year that we offer a great gift solution for that hard-to-buy-for-friend or family member, or for that special someone you just want to honor in a unique way.  We can also offer you an escape from the hustle and bustle of holiday season, giving you time to really sit down and remember what the season is all about.

Rather than fighting the crowds to find that perfect gift for your loved one, why not make a donation in their honor to Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio? Then all you have to do is sit back and relax.  Habitat will take care of ...

I never thought I would say being a “home wrecker” is something to be proud of. But now, thanks to a new program of Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio, I think it can be.

HFHSA has recently launched the “Wrecking Crew,” a free deconstruction or tear out service for local remodeling projects. HFHSA's Wrecking Crew salvages usable building materials and the donated materials are sold in the Home Centers.

It’s a win for everyone involved. You save money by not paying someone to take those usable materials out, you score a “green” point by not sending more to the landfill and we, in turn, have goods we can sell in our Habitat Home Centers.

And even better, future Habitat homeowner score big: proceeds from our three Home Centers fund all HFHSA general and administrative costs. That way, we are able to put 100% of every donated dollar to our ...

Have you ever thought about the magnitude of coordinating 12,000 volunteers each year or that hosting all these volunteers means a lot of hungry mouths to feed?

We do, each and every day. Habitat is very fortunate that we have the volunteer support that we do – they are the heart of our organization. It takes a lot of effort to schedule volunteers throughout the construction site, often making sure we have enough for as many as 15-20 houses at a time. We not only have to schedule, but we have to also make sure the needs of these volunteers are met while they are on the construction site and we have to coordinate with our construction department to make sure all construction needs are met.

Just to give you an idea of the magnitude of this task, we currently have 15 houses in various stages of construction. On any ...

What if this world was a perfect place and everyone had the resources to provide for their families in the best way they saw fit?

What if there were no layoffs?

What if there was no homelessness?

What if every child knew the comfort, safety and warmth of a room of their own and a backyard in a safe neighborhood to play in?

What if every parent knew the feeling that comes with the peace of going to bed each night knowing their families were safe, happy and cared for?

What if each and every one of us could be guaranteed that our families … our children … were guaranteed a chance at a successful future?

What if every person in San Antonio had a home to live in?

What if this was a perfect world?

Well, the reality is the world ...

Look at this picture.   What do you see?

Let’s start with the obvious.  Here’s what I see:

1. I see a loving father holding his daughter.
2. I see a man very happy to be where he’s at.
3. I see a big smile on his face.
4. I see one of many families assisted by Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio.
5. I see a man, who along with his wife, worked very hard to complete his “sweat equity” hours and build a home for his family.
6. I see a man who had just participated in a Habitat for Humanity House dedication with eight other families.

But, let’s dig a little deeper.  There is so much more to be seen:

1. I see a man who is happy because his daughter will be thriving, not just living, in the new home he built in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of San ...

mile·stone (mīl'stōn') n. a significant event or stage in the life, progress, development, or the like of a person, nation, etc.

Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio has reached what we consider a very significant event – the construction of our 600^th Habitat house in San Antonio.  What began more than 30 years ago as an idea -- a vision -- by Faith Lytle and a very committed group of friends who sat around her kitchen table and dreamed of affordable homes for all families in San Antonio has grown into so much more.

It’s grown into an effort that brings together individuals from all walks of life, businesses, the faith community and many other organizations for one purpose.

Since 1976, HFHSA has continued to thrive and build simple, decent and affordable homes in partnership with families in need – families who might not otherwise know what ...

Christmas is almost here!  The days seem to be speeding by at a pace I can hardly keep up with.  Every year I promise myself to save more, get more organized and be ready for Christmas before it gets here.

Well, guess what?  I’ve remained true to form and I’m faced with another hustle- and bustle-filled holiday with a mile-long list of people I still need to buy for.

If you are anything like me, there are always a few on that list who just seem impossible to buy for.  They generally already have it and if they don’t, they just go out and buy what they want!

I am always on the lookout for a meaningful gift for that “hard-to-buy-for” person.  Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio has a perfect gift option for Christmas or any time of the year.

Rather than fighting the crowds ...