The GHBA Benefit Homes Project delivers unmatched $405,000 aid to the local community and homebuilding industry.
The Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) is thrilled to announce that the GHBA Benefit Homes Project will provide back-to-back donations to local charities. Formed 44 years ago by the GHBA Board of Directors, the Benefit Homes Project brings together GHBA members, who build beautiful homes sold at market value, with all profits donated to HomeAid Houston, Operation Finally Home and the GHBA Charitable Foundation.
“Our members love to give back. We have an understanding that it’s our duty to serve and give back to the community and industry that has helped build our businesses,” GHBA President Matthew Reibenstein said.
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On August 5, Chesmar Homes contributed $405,000 to the Benefit Homes Project from the sale of a home masterfully built in partnership with Brookfield Properties at Elyson, the stunning master-planned community in Katy. Located at 24202 Palm Warbler Court in Katy, this successful and swift sale marks the largest donation to the GHBA Benefit Homes Project since its inception in 1980, setting a new standard for community assistance and industry-specific workforce funding.
“With this funding, our charitable partners can continue to address the needs of our community’s less fortunate, and we can continue to address workforce development within the residential construction industry,” Reibenstein added.
HomeAid Houston, a 501(c)(3) charity, is the local chapter of HomeAid America – the nation’s largest provider of transitional shelters for the homeless. Established by GHBA leadership in 2003, HomeAid Houston acts as a bridge between homeless care providers in need of new or remodeled facilities and the GHBA’s home builders, remodelers and vendor suppliers. Operation Finally Home, a 501(c)(3) organization, addresses the most pressing need of our returning heroes and their families – a home of their own. Established in 2005, Operation Finally Home builds custom, mortgage-free homes, transitional housing and home modifications to veterans, first responders and their families. The GHBA Charitable Foundation leads programs to foster education and career advancement in the residential home building industry, offering scholarships and financial support in training for young people and underrepresented groups as skilled workers and business owners.
“I personally understand the impacts these organizations have on the less fortunate – and I will say – when you can improve the living situation of a small child, it can change their whole world and positively impact the trajectory of their lives,” Reibenstein said.
Chesmar Homes has been a dedicated partner in the GHBA Benefit Homes Project, building an impressive nine homes over the years and raising approximately $2.5 million for local charities. Scott Merovitch, City President of Chesmar Homes and chairman of the Benefit Homes Project, continues to lead these efforts.
“Serving as the chairman for the GHBA Benefit Homes Project, I play a small role in each Benefit Home, but when we can build and donate a home, it means so much more,” Scott Merovitch, chairman of the GHBA’s Benefit Homes Project and city president for Chesmar Homes, said. “At Chesmar, we take great pride in each home we build. Building a person’s home is very personal. We don’t take that experience for granted. To be able to give back to the community and our industry by doing what we are most passionate about – it doesn’t get much better than that. We’re happy to do it.”
Chesmar broke ground on this year’s home in January. By June, the home was completed and sold to a local couple. Crafted in Chesmar Homes’ Sweetwater layout, the 2,988-square-foot family home features four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a two-car garage and seamlessly blends open- and closed-concept spaces. Upon entering, a cozy study is situated to the left, while the foyer opens into a bright and spacious gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, utility room and casual dining area. This area overlooks a grand family room with a vaulted ceiling that extends to the outdoor covered patio, creating an inviting space for gatherings. The home also boasts a Texas-sized primary bedroom and three additional sizable bedrooms. A 13-foot by 13-foot suite retreat off the kitchen offers versatile use, with the option to be open or closed off by doors, making it ideal for a personal gym, home theater, library or any other space to suit the homeowner’s needs.
Brookfield Properties, the development company behind Elyson, is also a committed partner to the GHBA Benefit Homes Project, with this being its second.
“As long-time members and volunteers of the Greater Houston Builders Association, we were truly honored to participate in the GHBA Benefit Homes Project and give back to not only the GHBA but the greater community, as well,” Brookfield Properties Senior Vice President of Operations Matthew McCafferty said.
Elyson, one of Houston’s largest residential projects is a 3,642-acre community off Grand Parkway and FM 529 in the Katy area. Elyson offers scenic views and luxury amenities for active homeowners and their families who enjoy spending time outdoors, including about 30 miles of nature trails, multiple pools, pickleball and tennis courts, an array of outdoor spaces and parks, sprawling lakes, a community garden and so much more. Elyson is zoned for Katy ISD, positioning the community as an ideal option for homebuyers seeking their first home or a bigger home to support their growing families. At completion, Elyson will feature approximately 6,000 one- and two-story modern homes with cozy and classy interiors ranging in price from $300,000 to over $1 million from 1,500 to approximately 4,500-square feet.
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