Today is World Habitat Day.
This is a global observance set aside the first Monday of each October to bring people together everywhere in recognition of the housing needs faced by people all over the world.
But, it all begins at home. So please join Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio today as we continue to recognize that the lack of decent, affordable housing in San Antonio is something that we just cannot accept.
Recent headlines about the rising poverty in our nation – at it’s highest level in 51 years – brings the importance of recognizing the needs of our community to the forefront now more than ever. According to recent Census Bureau statistics, 19.5% of San Antonians live in poverty. This is sad.
There are more than 210,000 San Antonians living in poverty – 50,000 of them are under the age of 5. There are families right here in San Antonio living in unsafe neighborhoods and in overcrowded conditions without even the basic necessities of adequate plumbing and electricity. They often spend more than half their income on rent, leaving very little for the other necessities in life. No child, no adult should have to live this way. It is Habitat for Humanity’s hope that someday this problem will be eliminated.
Working with these families, thousands of volunteers and others who give not only of their time, but their money, HFHSA hopes to continue to fight this serious problem. Join us not only today, but every day to continue our mission of eliminating substandard housing in our city.
You can help us in this fight by spreading the word about the need in San Antonio and the mission of HFHSA.
To further educate yourself about HFHSA, you can attend our next Hab-i-Tour at 1 p.m. Friday, October 15. On this guided bus tour, you will get a unique look at the need in San Antonio and what we are doing about it.
You can also attend our next House Dedication set for 10 a.m. Friday, October 8, to join with four more families who will celebrate the completion of their brand new – and affordable – Habitat homes.
But most of all become involved and continue to help us raise awareness of the problems that face our city’s lowest income families. Continue to educate yourself about not only the needs but the benefits of homeownership. Make regular visits to our website and become our fan on Facebook for regular updates.
By Shelly, Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio staff