History

What is Habitat for Humanity - South Collin County?

Habitat for Humanity - South Collin County (HfH-SCC) is a non-profit Christian organization that builds decent, simple, affordable homes for deserving families, regardless of religion, race, creed, color, gender or familial status. We are an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, which was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller and headquartered in Americus, Georgia.

Having a home is the foundation, literally, for stable employment, education, career advancement, good health, hygiene, safety, and happiness. It allows children to focus on school and homework, and excel in athletics and extracurricular activities. By providing a stable home for working families, Habitat for Humanity - South Collin County allows a family to establish a financial future for their children. Prior to acquiring their Habitat home, these families spend as much as 40-50% of their monthly gross income on housing costs. Our families become homeowners who have a stake in our community, and who care more about its leaders, its image, and its other citizens. They have a small piece of equity, which they can pass on to future generations of their family, the seed of future prosperity.

To date, our work has mostly been centered in the predominantly African-American neighborhood in Plano known as the Douglass Community, located in the core of old downtown Plano and considered the oldest and earliest settled neighborhood in the city. This vibrant and alive neighborhood regularly invites members of our Board of Directors to community meetings. We recently build 5 duplex condos in Wylie as well, giving the opportunity to own a home to ten families.

During a Habitat build, persons of all races, faiths, and neighborhoods work together toward a common goal: the completion or rehabilitation of a Habitat homeowner’s house. This work brings strangers or even co-workers together, who sweat, pound, lift, carry, hang, and nail the home into place – together. Habitat for Humanity - South Collin County avoids the use of professionals and power tools to allow the harmony of hard work to bond people. People who work on a build together, and then witness the dedication of the house to the homeowner family, often return again and again for the experience.

How We Began

Habitat for Humanity - South Collin County began in 1997 as a chapter of Dallas Habitat for Humanity. From 1997 to 2002, we built nine houses and rehabilitated several other homes in the Douglass Community area of East Plano. We also did work in the Trinity Park area of Lucas, tearing down one building, helping remodel a church, and helping with a massive cleanup campaign.

In January 2003, we cut our ties with Dallas Habitat for Humanity and became an Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. We also changed our accounting year to a fiscal year of July 1 to June 30. In the short fiscal year from January 1, 2003 to June 30, 2003, we spent the greater part of our energies in organizing our new affiliate. In the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2003, we built three houses. We broke ground on our first one in September, and it was dedicated on November 23, 2003. Our second build broke ground February 21, and the third began in May 2004. We dedicated the last two houses on May 8th.

Territory We Serve

We serve Plano, Allen, Trinity Park, Lucas, Wylie, Murphy, Parker, Lowry Crossing, Fairview, Saint Paul, and the rural areas of South Collin County, Texas.

Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity - South Collin county is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International.

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety.

Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.

Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1.5 million people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter. HFHI was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller along with his wife Linda.

Habitat for Humanity International's headquarters is located in Americus, GA, USA.

Habitat International Website.