30th Anniversary Luncheon: Wednesday, October 25, 2017, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
The Westin Galleria Houston Hotel – 5060 West Alabama (77056)
HOUSTON, TX – October 14, 2017 – Houston Habitat for Humanity announces plans to use funds recently awarded from Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund to support homeowners in getting back on their feet in the wake of the most devastating natural disaster in the city’s history.
The Mayor’s Relief Fund awarded $400,000 to Houston Habitat as part of its initial round of funding via grants from donations received from around the world.
“With the $400,000 from the Mayor’s Fund, we will be able to repair homes for our most vulnerable population. Houston’s senior citizens, disables homeowners, and families whose income has been stretched due to the damage of their homes and losing their possessions as a consequence of Hurricane Harvey. We will work in partnership with other community based groups such as the Harris County Long-Term Recovery Group and United Way, which will allow us to start rehabilitating more homes in the community,” said Executive Director Allison Hay.
This grant comes as Houston Habitat for Humanity is set to celebrate its 30-year anniversary with a luncheon to be held Oct. 25, 2017, at the Westin Galleria Houston, at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon theme is “Building a Dream.” Internationally renowned scholar, humanitarian, educator and author Dr. Tererai Trent will deliver the keynote address. Deemed Oprah Winfrey’s “all-time favorite guest,” Dr. Trent is a native of Zimbabwe who moved to the United States and was once a Habitat homeowner in Oklahoma. She was one of eight people chosen for the Celebrating International Women of Distinction Global Award, and she was the keynote speaker at the 2017 Habitat for Humanity International Global Conference.
Attorney, affordable housing advocate and lobbyist Antoinette “Toni” Jackson will receive the Carl Umland Award, named after one of the organizations’ founding members, for her many years of work in the Houston community. The Houston Bar Association will also receive the first-ever Legacy Award created in honor of Houston Habitat for Humanity’s 30thanniversary. The Legacy Award is presented to a group or organization that have made exemplary contributions and commitments to service and whose programs advance the mission of Houston Habitat for Humanity. For tickets to the event, go to https://houstonhabitat.org/luncheon/
Groups and individuals interested in making donations to assist with hurricane relief efforts may do so at https://houstonhabitat.org/donate and designate “Flood Relief” where prompted. Those interested in volunteering may register at http://vhub.at/DIASTER-RELIEF.
Houston Habitat for Humanity, with community minded sponsors and volunteers, has built over 1,100 homes with hard-working, low-income Houstonians in mind. Habitat Partner Families contribute “sweat equity” hours including financial and home ownership training in helping to build their own homes. They purchase their homes with zero-interest mortgages. For more information about Houston Habitat and the Houston Habitat ReStore – a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center open to the public, visit www.houstonhabitat.org or call 713-671-9993.