GHBA Members Partner with Local Charities to Leave a Lasting Legacy
I would like to take this opportunity to share some amazing news and updates regarding GHBA’s charitable efforts. Many of the projects I’d like to touch on are for HomeAid Houston, a 501c3 charitable arm of the GHBA, and Operation FINALLY HOME, a non-profit started by Dan Wallrath, a former GHBA executive board member. It is so impressive to see the work being done by our members as they come together in a meaningful way to make an impact as they partner with these organizations.
In April, 30 members of the Remodelers Council partnered with HomeAid Houston to renovate two gateway houses for Agape Development. Agape provides housing for local residents 18 years and older who are at risk for homelessness. The volunteer labor provided by the remodelers included new flooring, cabinetry, countertops, bathrooms, paint, window replacement, appliances, two concrete poured driveways and much more.
Also, in April, I was happy to see many GHBA families, and even my own sons, working with the Custom Builders Council to lend a hand at Casa de Esperanza. This is another local charity that often partners with HomeAid. Casa de Esperanza provides a safe place for children in crisis due to abuse, neglect or the effects of HIV. They offer residential care and coordinate medical and psychological services. Custom builder volunteers renovated several of the homes at the Casa de Esperanza campus and provided much-needed landscaping.
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On May 26, Operation FINALLY HOME, Beazer Homes, The Howard Hughes Corporation, and the Houston Texans dedicated a new mortgage-free home in Cypress for wounded veteran U.S. Army Specialist Cliff Betcher and his family. The keys to the home were presented during the celebration and I can’t think of a better way to have kicked off the Memorial Day celebration!
Also in May, U.S. Army SFC Demitra Jarrett and her family were surprised with a mortgage-free home during a special groundbreaking ceremony in Montgomery, Texas. Operation FINALLY HOME and Coventry Homes partnered to provide the custom-built, mortgage-free home for the deserving American hero in Woodforest.
Recently, I was honored to help Will Holder, chairman of the Benefit Homes Project, a 37 year old charity fundraiser of the GHBA, and Casey Morgan present a check to the Alzheimer’s Association for proceeds from the sale of the 2016 Trendmaker Benefit Home. We visited their office and it was very meaningful to see the work they do on a daily basis.
The Benefit Homes Project has raised $10 million for local charities. This year the beneficiaries are HomeAid Houston and Operation FINALLY HOME. Two Benefit Homes are being built this year. The Chesmar Benefit Home in Elyson is now completed and open for visitors, and the Westin Benefit Home in Lago Mar is in the early stages of construction.
I would also like to thank the many builder captains, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and participants who provide services and donate time every year to the charities. You are the foundation of the success of millions of dollars in construction for those less fortunate.
Oh yes, I also want to invite you to purchase raffle tickets for the brilliantly designed HomeAid Project Playhouse this year that will be at Minute Maid Park from June 27 to July 19 during Astros home games. Taylor Morrison and Darling Homes are the builder captains this year, and this “All American” playhouse is a star spangled opportunity to give back to our community. See you there!