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 Congratulations, Houston!Each year Charity Navigator ranks the financial health of large nonprofits and during the recent release, Houston earned the nation's highest median ratings and was also found to be home to the nation's most efficient charities!
Houstonians are known to have plenty of southern hospitality and neighborly good will. As an organization that works with thousands of volunteers annually, Houston Habitat has the privilege of seeing this firsthand.
Your donations and hard work have allowed Houston Habitat to move forward. We will finish construction in our Umland Park community of 126 homes this year. Our partnerships are growing stronger within the community as we continue to work with Houston Dynamo star Brian Ching; green partners General Electric, Green Mountain and New Living; and as we draw closer to the $1 million matching grant for land development from Houston Endowment, with a total of $945,000!
We hope that you will continue to be a part of the Houston Habitat family by making a donation, picking up a hammer and advocating for safe, quality and affordable homes in your community.
Sincerely,
Algenita Davis
Executive Director, Houston Habitat ____________________________________________ |
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Green Build
 Throughout the organization's history, Houston Habitat has consistently demonstrated a dedication to building energy efficient affordable homes. Recently, however, we challenged ourselves, and our sponsors, to go further in our commitment to environmental responsibility. Houston Habitat's first "Green Build" was made possible through the generous commitments of General Electric (GE), Green Mountain Energy and New Living.
On September 25 at 10 a.m., we will join hands with the Abu Family and our generous sponsors and volunteers to celebrate the dedication of this very special home. The Abu's new home proves that building responsibly, with the environment and indoor air quality in mind, can also be affordable-not just something for the wealthier demographic.
This GE-sponsored house features several important elements that make this home the country's greenest Habitat build ever:
- 2.0kW GE Solar Brilliance System that powers all of the family's electrical needs;
- Solar water heater system, made possible by a grant from Green Mountain Energy;
- Locally produced, non-toxic cabinetry and no- or low-VOC coatings, sealants and paint, provided by New Living, Houston's premiere green building supply store;
- Energy StarŪ-rated appliances, which are installed in all Houston Habitat homes and have earned us the national Energy Star Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing three consecutive years.
With your help, Houston Habitat can continue to change the lives of our homeowners and their families by building homes that are safe, healthy and conscience of the environment. For more information on how you, your company or your church can support green, affordable housing, call us at 713-671-9993. |
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Hard Hats for Spencer
 This May, Houston Habitat joined hands with students, faculty and parents from The Kinkaid School to dedicate a very special home in memory of Spencer Kinley. The Class of 2010 committed to raising $65,000 to sponsor construction of a new home for the Parker family. However, for the students, this project went beyond community service.
The students' fundraising efforts and the build became known as "Hard Hats for Spencer" in remembrance of Kinley, a classmate who died tragically in a 2007 skateboarding accident. "All of our dedications are emotional experiences, as we celebrate new beginnings for our homebuyers, but this one was especially poignant," said Algenita Scott Davis, Houston Habitat executive director. "Spencer's family and friends are true examples of how one can turn tragedy into something beautiful - in this case, by helping a family buy a home and improve the lives of their own children," she added. |
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ReStore
Don't forget to check out the Houston Habitat ReStore for excellent deals on everything home-related, from lumber to windows to furniture!
 
Currently Available: Dining Room Tables |
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Sponsor Spotlight:
Linn Energy
Linn Energy joined Houston Habitat in May 2010 for their first build. As joint house sponsor with Candlewood Suites, Linn spent three days on site in Milby Park to construct a house for the Swayzer family. Danyell Swayzer is a single mom of two, and her mother will also be living with the family. The Swayzer family and many friends and co-workers joined Linn Energy volunteers, including President and CEO Mark Ellis and Sr Manager of Public Affairs Clay Jeansonne.
Thank you, Linn!
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Houston Endowment Matching Gift
We're 5% away from the $1 million Houston Endowment matching gift. We need your help to push us over the finish line. Make a donation of any size at the Houston Habitat website. |
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We are thrilled to be part of the Run for a Reason program during the 2011 Chevron Houston Marathon!
Create a fundraising page to show your support and get your friends involved, and be on the lookout for Board Chair Doug Garrison's training blog!
Check it out! |
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Upcoming Events
July 30 - Faith Build Open House at Milby Park
Sept 16 - Chevron Houston Marathon Run for a Reason Kickoff Party
Sept 25 - Green Build Dedication with General Electric at Milby Park
Dec 30 - Yo Gabba Gabba Live! benefiting Houston Habitat
Jan 30 - Chevron Houston Marathon |
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Connect with
Houston Habitat!
 
www.houstonhabitat.org |
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