Habitat for Humanity is changing lives, one house at a time
Real Estate Today talked to Chris McCarthy, CEO of Nashville Habitat for Humanity about the importance of home ownership, and how her group has helped nearly 140 families realize the dream of owning their own home. We also chatted with Gail Horton, a woman who knows first hand how Habitat for Humanity helps people build more than houses; they help build better lives.
Click through for more on our interview with Ms. McCarthy and Ms. Horton
Chris McCarthy is an extraordinary woman. She won the 2009 HOPE Award for helping minorities achieve home ownership! But she might say someone like Gail Horton is more extraordinary. Gail is an early education teacher, and she is also a beneficiary of Habitat for Humanity. Gail moved into her home seven years ago, with the help of Habitat, but also by working through 550 sweat equity hours, taking classes and working on other people’s homes.
And she says every moment was worth it.
Chris holds Gail up as an example of how well Habitat for Humanity works, and why home ownership is so important.
Unfortunately, the economy is making it tougher for Chris and Habitat for Humanity to continue helping people. While donations are dropping off, more and more people are needing help.
Chris pointed out that home ownership builds strong communities in more ways than one. Not only does it help foster a sense of closeness and familiarity in neighborhoods, but home owners also pay property taxes, which in turns helps build stronger cities!
Families who want to get a Habitat for Humanity home must go through a screening process, as well as take classes in home ownership, as well as help build other Habitat homes before they can start construction on their own.
But as Gail says, it’s so worth it!
Chris McCarthy is CEO of Nashville Habitat for Humanity. If you want more information on how to donate, volunteer, or other programs offered by Habitat for Humanity, visit www.habitat.org
