Habitat News

CW Floors Joins Forces with HFHSA

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

New Community Effort Will Help Deserving Families in Bexar County

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WHAT:� �� One of San Antonio's oldest family-owned businesses and the San

Antonio affiliate of the world's most recognized non-profit homebuilder will unveil an important new partnership that will help nearly 60 low-income families realize the American dream of home ownership through Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio's Hand-Up Homes building program.

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WHEN:�� Friday, May 21

�� 10 a.m.

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WHERE:�� Habitat for Humanity's Palo Alto Subdivision

Current build site on Azul Street (map and directions attached to this advisory)

Give a day. Get a Disney day.

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio has teamed up with the HandsOn Network and Habitat affiliates all over the country to celebrate the good things people do for their communities through the "Give A Day. Get A Disney Day" program, which is available to volunteers all over the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

"Disney wants to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service to a participating organization in their communities and celebrate their good works," said HFHSA Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Arredondo. "We chose to participate in this wonderful program because we think our volunteers deserve so much. They are the heart of our organization."

Disney is offering individuals who volunteer for HFHSA one-day admission to a theme park at Disneyland� Resort or Walt Disney World� Resort, free.

"We are really excited about this chance to honor the volunteers who help us continue our mission of building simple, decent and affordable homes," Arredondo said.

Volunteers can go to www.disneyparks.com to sign up for a day of volunteer service. Once they've completed their day of service with us, they are given a voucher than can be redeemed for their one-day admission.
As the nation's largest volunteer network, HandsOn Network has 250 on-the-ground volunteer action centers across the country, powerful national partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, and connects volunteers to more than 70,000 nonprofit agencies that need their help.

For more information about signing up, go to www.disneyparks.com and click on the "get started" link.

Give a Day. Get a Disney Day flyer

Habitat Volunteers Give While On The Road

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

2/17/2010�-�TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.�--�When the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit isn't maintaining 25 F-15s to support the 2nd Fighter Squadron's flying operations, it is giving back to the local community.�

Citi Donates to HFHSA

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Citi has made a charitable contribution of $60,000 to Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio to support the San Antonio House Build program, which will begin construction of its 13th home in September. Since volunteer effort and the participation of the recipient families in construction lower building costs significantly for Habitat for Humanity, the contribution - which will cover materials and administrative costs - will be a major component of the financing for the new home."We are very thankful to Citi for their continued support of Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio," said Stephanie Wiese, Vice President of Development and Communications. "Helping families build simple and decent homes not only gives them a chance for a new beginning but more importantly a place to call home."

"Affordable housing is at the heart of financial inclusion and economic empowerment," said Mark Nerio, Community Officer for Citi Community Development. "We are pleased to make this commitment of both funds and the enthusiastic volunteer effort of our employees, to help revitalize our community."

Habitat homes are rated Energy Star Homes and meet LEED Level 1 Standards (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design), the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. The San Antonio Business Journal rated Habitat for Humanity in San Antonio as the 5th largest San Antonio Green Residential Builder in June 2010.

Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio, Inc.
Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio is an ecumenical, Christian organization working with hardworking families in need to build simple, decent and affordable homes without interest or profit. Habitat families are required to put in a minimum of 300 hours of "sweat equity," meaning they help build their own home, the homes of their neighbors and they attend home ownership education classes. In turn, they purchase their homes on a 0% interest, 20-year mortgage. Their payments average about $400 a month, or about half the fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the city.

Citi Community Development
Citi Community Development (CCD) is leading Citi's commitment to achieve economic empowerment and growth for underserved individuals, families and communities by expanding access to financial products and services, and building sustainable business solutions and innovative partnerships. Our focus areas include: commercial and philanthropic funding; innovative financial products and services; and collaborations with institutions that expand access to financial products and services for low-income and underserved communities. For more information, please visit www.citigroup.com/community

500 Home Depot Employees, Vendors to Join HFHSA

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Affordable Homes Maintain Strong Families, Thriving Neighborhoods and Sustainable Cities

WHAT: 500 volunteers from The Home Depot Foundation, The Home Depot Building Materials Department and their vendor partners, and organizers from Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio will work on 10 houses in the Palo Alto Subdivision.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 19, 2010

7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Project Kick-Off
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Construction on houses

WHERE: Palo Alto Community

PROJECT DETAILS:
. The Home Depot Foundation volunteers will be working in a 48 acre Habitat neighborhood on the south west side of San Antonio named Palo Alto Community. Habitat of San Antonio started building in this neighborhood in 2005 -- by mid 2011 all 282 Habitat for Humanity homes in this community will be completed!
. In 2009, The Home Depot Foundation in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International expanded its Partners in Sustainable Building Program (PSB) and is providing $30 Million in funds over a five year period to build 5,000 homes that meet nationally recognized green building standards.
. Through The Home Depot Foundation Framing Hope Program, in 2009, 89 Habitat for Humanity affiliates received $4.55 million in donated product to build and preserve affordable, healthy homes for low-income families throughout the U.S.

About The Home Depot Foundation:
Created in 2002, The Home Depot Foundation supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to creating and preserving healthy, affordable homes as the cornerstone of sustainable communities. The Foundation's goal is for all families to have the opportunity to live in healthy, efficient homes they can afford over the long-term; to have access to safe, vibrant parks and greenspaces; and to receive the economic, social and environmental benefits of living in a sustainable community.

Since its formation, The Home Depot Foundation has granted $190 million to nonprofit organizations and supported the development of more than 95,000 homes, planted more than 1.2 million trees, and built or refurbished more than 1875 playgrounds, parks and greenspaces. For more information, visit www.homedepotfoundation.org and follow us on Twitter homedepotfdn.

About Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio:
Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio is an ecumenical Christian, non-profit housing organization working in partnership with hard working families in need to build simple, decent, affordable homes. Homes built with volunteer labor are sold to partner families with a 20 year zero percent interest mortgage.

Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio is distinguished as the first partner affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. To date they have built 648 affordable homes in the San Antonio community. Their less than 2% foreclosure rate proves the effectiveness of their self help program -- they provide a "hand up, not a hand out". To learn more, please visit www.habitatsa.org.

Mom Thankful for Volunteers Who Helped Build Her Home

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

First House Dedication to be Held in Coleman Ridge Community

Getting to move into a home of her own is something Lorena Magdaleno of San Antonio always thought was out of her reach.

"It never crossed my mind that a single mother could do this," she said recently while working with volunteers to lay sod in the front yard of her new Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio home.

Magdaleno, a mother of four girls ages 10 and under, will join 23 other families who will celebrate the completion of their new Habitat homes at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Coleman Ridge Community.

"I'm beyond excited. This is just so amazing," she said.

While juggling a full-time job and caring for four children, Magdaleno spent weekends helping to build her home, completing more than 350 sweat equity hours.

"It's been a struggle with work and my girls," she said, explaining that working with the volunteers made it worth it. "When I see the volunteers it's like . a gift from God."

Stretching out her arms and surveying the work being done by volunteers around her, Magdaleno said "This means the world to me. My self-esteem has gone so high."

"I want to teach my girls to have faith . be strong . and know that they can do anything."

Her home is one of 55 built in 2011 in partnership with families in need, volunteers and donors. It was sponsored by the American Bankers Association.

Other sponsors for the 24 homes include: KCI, Tesoro, Wells Fargo and the Terry Lynn Poerner Charitable Foundation of the San Antonio Area Foundation, Bishop Tom Flanagan and the Knights of Columbus - Archdiocese of San Antonio, St. Thomas Episcopal Church/St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church/St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Coker United Methodist Church/Woodland Baptist Church, San Antonio Ecumenical Genesis, Citi, Bank of America, South Texas Lutheran Cluster/Friends of Habitat, donors honoring Bill Lytle and a community build house sponsored by Broadway National Bank, Trinity Baptist Church and University United Methodist Church.

This dedication marks 737 homes built by the organization in its 35-year history. 55 were built in 2011.

Directions: Old Pearsall Road and Loop 410; from downtown San Antonio, take 35 South (toward Laredo) to 410 North; take Exit #2 (Old Pearsall Road); turn Left and go under bridge; turn Right on Excellence Drive; follow the parking signs.

About Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio: Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio is an ecumenical, Christian organization working with families in need to build simple, decent and affordable homes without interest or profit. Habitat families are required to put in a minimum of 300 hours of "sweat equity," meaning they help build their own home, the homes of their neighbors and they attend home ownership education classes. In turn, they purchase their homes on a 0% interest, 20-year mortgage. Their payments average about $400 a month, or about half the fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the city. HFHSA plans to build 55 homes in 2011. HFHSA was founded in 1976 as the first U.S. affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. The organization has built 713 homes in its 35-year history.

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Ceremony Marks Completion of Four More Habitat Homes

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHAT: Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio's House Dedication Ceremony
Four San Antonio families will celebrate their completion of a required 300 hours of sweat equity and the completion of their new homes.

WHEN: 10 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2009

WHERE: Palo Alto Community
Directions: Take IH-35 South (towards Laredo), take exit #149 and turn left at the stop light onto Hwy 16. Turn right on West Villaret Road (3rd stoplight), turn left on Palo Alto Road (at dead end), turn right on Aragon Drive. Turn right on Algo Dulce. There will be a stop sign at Maria Isabel St. Turn right to Coconino and follow the signs.

WHY: Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio is a non-profit, ecumenical, Christian housing organization that builds houses in partnership with low-income families. Houses are sold to homebuyers on an interest-free, 20-year mortgage.

HFHSA partners with the families, volunteers and donors to make homeownership possible for families who could not otherwise afford it.

For more HFHSA information, see our website at�www.habitatsa.org and become our�fan on Facebook.

Bankers Help Build Habitat Home

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Bankers from around Texas and throughout the nation were in San Antonio on Saturday, October 22, to build a Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio home for single mom, Lorena Magdaleno, and her four daughters.

The Habitat home is a "dream come true . and shows how a single mother could make it with the help of good people," said Magdaleno.

The ABA Housing Partners Foundation has partnered with the Texas Bankers Association and Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio to build the house. The home, underwritten by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, is being built in Coleman Ridge, a new development that will be composed 185 Habitat homes and is adjacent to a newly constructed elementary school.

Through the ABA Housing Partners Foundation, ABA members have contributed $1.9 million and 5,000 volunteer hours to build 10 Habitat for Humanity homes across the nation.

"This is wonderful for our organization and such a great example of the great work being done in our community," said Stephanie Wiese, HFHSA Vice President of Development & Communications.

About the ABA: The American Bankers Association represents banks of all sizes and charters and is the voice for the nation's $13 trillion banking industry and its two million employees. Learn more at www.aba.com

About Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio: Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio is an ecumenical, Christian organization working with families in need to build simple, decent and affordable homes without interest or profit. Habitat families are required to put in a minimum of 300 hours of "sweat equity," meaning they help build their own home, the homes of their neighbors and they attend home ownership education classes. In turn, they purchase their homes on a 0% interest, 20-year mortgage. Their payments average about $400 a month, or about half the fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the city. HFHSA was founded in 1976 as the first U.S. affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. The organization has built 713 homes in its 35-year history. There are currently 24 homes under construction in Coleman Ridge.

Directions to Coleman Ridge: Old Pearsall Road and Loop 410; from downtown San Antonio, take 35 South (toward Laredo) to 410 North; take Exit #2 (Old Pearsall Road); turn Left and go under bridge; take the first right onto Excellence Drive; follow the parking signs.

Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio Hosts Military Groups On Its Construction Crews

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

More than 60 military personnel have spent the last two days helping Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio build simple, decent and affordable homes in partnership with families in need.

The groups are participating in the organization's Military Appreciation Week, which runs through Saturday.

"This couldn't have come at a better time for us," said Sarah Arredondo, volunteer coordinator for the organization. "Our numbers of volunteers are down during the week because of the heat. It is terrific that these groups and individuals have come out to help us keep our build schedule on time. They are already serving their country and many of them are giving up their free time to come out and lend a hand."

Arredondo explained that more than 25 more military groups and a number of individuals are scheduled to man the construction crews the rest of the week. HFHSA is currently building in its newest subdivision, Coleman Ridge. There are eight homes under construction, with 24 planned by year's end.

"We couldn't do what we do without our volunteers and the support we get from the military is amazing," she said, explaining that on Friday and Saturday alone HFHSA will host more than 440 Military volunteers.

For information on volunteering, call HFHSA at 210-223-5203.

Habitat on Great Day SA

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio appeared on Great Day SA recently and discussed our need for Friday volunteers.

http://www.kens5.com/great-day-sa/Helping-Habitat-For-Humanity-83285972.html

Wrecking Crew Offers Alternative to Landfill

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A new program with Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio has one group of HFHSA volunteers and staff proud to say they are "Home Wreckers."

"The 'Wrecking Crew' is a team of volunteers and staff that do light deconstruction work and bring salvaged materials to our Home Centers for resale," said Chris Martin, Wrecking Crew Supervisor and Coordinator.

The new program began earlier this year and has done well, he said.

"The crew has received a lot of interest. We are getting new jobs all the time," Martin said, explaining that taking advantage of the free program is a great way to "green up" a remodeling or renovation project.

The Wrecking Crew will come to your job and remove any unwanted materials, such as cabinets or plumbing fixtures, in turn for taking the items back to one of HFHSA's Home Centers for resale by the organization.

"We only do partial deconstruction as we do not actually tear an entire structure down. However, by salvaging usable fixtures from the property we can offer some significant benefits to everyone involved," Martin said. "We will remove appliances, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, lighting and fans, doors, windows, flooring materials, furniture and any other reusable items in fair condition."

Advantages include:

. Labor costs for the project are reduced by eliminating some of the tear-out.
. Landfills and trash haulers charge by weight and volume so tipping fees are reduced (a 40-yard container of trash can cost $500 to deliver and haul away).
. Items retrieved by HFHSA are tax deductible and an itemized donation receipt is provided to the owner.

"This is a 'win-win-win' situation for the owner, the contractor and Habitat - and you can throw in an ecological 'win' by sparing our local landfills," he said.

Call the Wrecking Crew at 210-599-7109 to schedule an inspection.

Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio is an ecumenical Christian organization working in partnership with local families in need to build simple, decent and affordable homes. The homes are in turn sold to the families on a no-interest, 20-year mortgage. The Habitat Home Center funds all general and administrative costs of the non-profit organization, allowing 100% of donations given to the building program to be used for building homes. HFHSA operates three Habitat Home Centers in San Antonio.

FHLB Dallas and Broadway Bank Award HELP Grant to First-Time Homebuyer

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 8, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Broadway Bank awarded a $5,000 Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) grant to Margarita Garcia, a first-time homebuyer in San Antonio, Texas.

Partnership with HFHSA a 'win' for all involved

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A partnership with Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio (HFHSA) and North East Independent School District's Electrical Systems Technology Magnet Apprenticeship Program has proven to be a winning relationship for all involved.

"We've worked with this group for several years," said Bill Krupa, Vice President of Construction and Site Activities for HFHSA. "These students come in and get hands-on training and 'real-life' experience, but they are also helping us on the construction of houses that will eventually be the homes of some very hardworking families in need. This really is a winning situation for all of us."

Based at San Antonio's MacArthur High School, the mission of the program is to provide students with the academic, theory, and interpersonal skills needed to achieve excellence in their electrical careers and to serve as the foundation for their continuing education, said Stephen Albert, who directs the program.

Approximately 40 students are on HFHSA's construction site today working on training hours that will eventually help them gain professional certifications. Hours spent in the classroom and on site count towards their apprenticeship to become a licensed journeyman and eventually an electrician, he said.

"The apprenticeship part is very important because we are apprenticed through the Department of Labor," he explained.

Students from throughout NEISD participate in the program. While working on HFHSA's construction site, they work with a master electrician who guides them through real life application of what they have learned.

"This gives the students the opportunity to go in and wire some real houses," Albert said. "This is hands-on, not just learning the principles in the classroom...now we have made what they are learning applicable."

Ceremony Marks Groundbreaking for New Habitat Community

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Celebrating its 35^th year in 2011, Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio is about to break ground on its newest neighborhood, Coleman Ridge, in a ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 24.

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Located near the corner of Old Pearsall Road and Loop 410, near San Antonio's new Trader's Village, this land has qualities that make it a great choice for the next Habitat neighborhood, organization officials say.

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Councilman Philip Cortez will join HFHSA in the celebration. �The official groundbreaking ceremony will be held at Miller's Pond Park and Pavilion, 6175 Old Pearsall Rd, which is near the future community.

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"Coleman Ridge is in a great location for our families to thrive.� The land is immediately adjacent to an elementary school that will open this August. �And, it is within a few miles of one of the largest community colleges in San Antonio, Palo Alto College," said HFHSA President and CEO Dennis L. Bechhold. �"It is also very accessible to retail, bus lines and major highways and thoroughfares."

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This new Habitat development will eventually benefit 185 very low-income families in San Antonio. Construction on homes in the community will begin in August.�

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The groundbreaking comes after a long, exhaustive search for land for the non-profit builder to locate its next community on.��

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"We look for land that is a good fit for Habitat, that is in a good location for our families and that will help us keep our homes affordable for those who enter our program," Bechhold explained.� "This couldn't have come at a better time as we are near completion of our current community."

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HFHSA will complete construction in its current Palo Alto neighborhood in June.� Construction began on the 48-acre subdivision in 2005 and when complete, will have 285 simple, decent and affordable homes built in partnership with families in need, Bechhold explained.� To date, the organization has built 700 homes in San Antonio.

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"We are very proud of this accomplishment, and very thankful to the literally thousands of people who have lent us their time and given of their money to help us continue our mission of eliminating poverty housing in our city.� We now look forward to beginning our new neighborhood," he said.

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On the day of the ground breaking, shuttle busses will make quick trips from the park to the future site for those who would like to see it.� Light refreshments will be served by Don Strange of Texas.� Please RSVP to the event by calling Shelly at 210-223-5203.

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About Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio

Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio is an ecumenical, Christian organization working with hardworking families in need to build simple, decent and affordable homes without interest or profit.� Habitat families are required to put in a minimum of 300 hours of "sweat equity," meaning they help build their own home, the homes of their neighbors and they attend home ownership education classes.� In turn, they purchase their homes on a 0% interest, 20-year mortgage.� Their payments average about $400 a month, or about half the fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the city. Relying on volunteer labor and donated funds to build homes, HFHSA serves families who earn 20-60% of the area median income and is the only organization in San Antonio to offer homeownership as an option to families at this income level.� 55 homes are planned for 2011, 24 of those will be located in Coleman Ridge.

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The organization was founded in 1976 by a concerned citizen and pastor's wife, Faith Lytle.� Gathered around her kitchen table with a group of committed friends, the group organized HFHSA with a mission of eliminating substandard housing in San Antonio.� Construction of the first Habitat for Humanity house built in the United States was begun that year on a small parcel of land on Hidalgo Street on San Antonio's near west side.

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Distinguished as the first U.S. partner affiliate in the United States, HFHSA has grown to become the 4^th largest producer of new Habitat homes in the country, and the largest in Texas. HFHSA is known as one of the most efficient Habitat affiliates with 100% of every donated dollar going toward its building program.�

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HFHSA Still In Need Of Weekday Volunteers

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SAN ANTONIO - Habitat for Humanity is getting ready for a big 2010, but is asking for some help to make dozens of houses, become a reality. Habitat is in urgent need of weekday volunteers to help complete the 10 homes already underway, and the five set to begin shortly.