Crews from GHBA's Remodelers Council donate time on AGAPE House.
Throughout the year, members of the GHBA are quick to embrace HomeAid as one of their many charitable causes. In 2019, the GHBA’s Associates Council, Remodelers Council, Custom Builders Council, Volume Builders Council and the Sales and Marketing Council selected HomeAid to receive funds raised through their various council activities. These funds were recently presented to HomeAid to further their mission, ‘to build new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach’.
The funds gifted to HomeAid were nearly $9,000 and will be used to help pay for the charity’s “HomeAid Care” projects in 2020, benefitting a number that are already in development. HomeAid Care projects are typically smaller in scope than other HomeAid projects. They can cost up to $50,000.
“GHBA members are an example of the generous nature of Houston’s homebuilding industry and we cannot thank them enough for all they have done over the past 17 years,” said Jim Muska, president of HomeAid Houston.
Past projects that have received funds from the GHBA councils include several renovation projects for Santa Maria Hostel, Casa de Esperanza, Agape Development, Cross Roads and Well Springs Village.
A 2017 HomeAid Care project that was funded in part by the RMC, for example was a renovation of two homes for Agape Development’s Gateway Houses located in Houston’s historic Third Ward. This faith-based agency helps 18-25 year olds make the transition to healthy adulthood by assisting with housing, utilities, food and transportation while providing counseling, job preparation and guidance to continue their education.
Two homes, one for girls and one for boys, received major “make-overs” that included paint, flooring repairs and replacement, new windows, new doors, additional storage space in bedrooms, new air conditioning, roof repairs and new kitchen appliances.
“The goal is to assist young adults on the path to becoming independent healthy adults who are not only able to support themselves through gainful employment, but are also able to support their community through volunteering, church membership, and active community involvement,” said Carole Brady, executive director of HomeAid. “This is one of many projects where HomeAid has partnered with the GHBA Remodelers Council. It is always a rewarding experience to work with these professionals in our industry.”
Upcoming projects include a refurbishment of space at the Krause Children’s Center, an on-campus living and treatment facility that has been treating abused, neglected, and troubled boys and girls from all over Texas since 1995. Treatment includes individual therapy and group therapy with an on-staff psychiatrist and therapists, spiritual care, and a full academic curriculum.
From left to right are (first row) Laura Nelson - Isaiah 117 House Support Coordinator; Krista Patton - Isaiah 117 House Care Coordinator; Amy Burton - Isaiah 117 House Location Leader; Sarah Miller - Texas State Director for Isaiah House; and (second row) Steve Smith - Chesmar Homes VP Construction; Lawrence Dean - HomeAid Board President; Matthew Reibenstein - GHBA Board President; and Leshia Fisher - Regional Director 6B at CPS.
Cutting the ribbon are first row, left to right: Simone Adkison, Angel Reach; Lawrence Dean, HomeAid Houston; George Lindahl, Angel Reach; Kim Clark, Angel Reach; Dan Alexander, Angel Reach; Carol Watford, Angel Reach; Latonia Jackson, Angel Reach. Second row, left to right: Matthew Reibenstein, GHBA; Megan Wilridge, Angel Reach; Zariah Magee, Angel Reach; Gary Cook, Angel Reach; Franchesca Calhoun, Angel Reach; Dana Robertson, Angel Reach.