Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity

Four homes will be built in North Texas in 2008, two in Collin County and two in Ft. Worth. The Collin County builds will be in Plano and McKinney. The McKinney and Ft. Worth builds will begin in the fall of 2008.

HfH-SCC and North Collin County Habitat will be partnering with Trinity River and North Central Texas Chapter Lutheran churches to build two homes in Collin County. The first build will begin in March in Plano and the second build will begin be in McKinney in the fall.

March 29 was the beginning of a new home life – literally for Eiron Young and her son Cameron, in first grade. This was the first day of construction for their new home that is being constructed by Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity - Southern Collin County. HfH-SCC will be partnering with area Lutheran churches to build the home in the historic Douglass Community in Plano. With over 150 volunteers present on the first day, the home was framed and sheathed. Work will continue next Saturday, April 5. Construction is expected to continue for approximately 12 weeks.

Eiron is employed by JC Penney and also works part time for a Plano real estate company. She is a descendant of the Thomas family, one of the earliest families to settle in the Douglass Community, also the niece of Ben Thomas and granddaughter of James Thomas, one of the founding members of the community and Plano’s first African American fireman.

The construction activity was preceded by introductions and welcoming remarks from several leaders including State Senator Florence Shapiro, State Representative Jerry Madden, Plano Mayor Pat Evans, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Representative Chris Polvado, and Habitat for Humanity of South Collin County Executive Director Dick Taylor.

Pastor James Woelmer from Faith Lutheran Plano said the invocation. Other area Lutheran Churches and their representatives present were Blair Shields, Water’s Edge Frisco; Pastor Victor Kollmann, Messiah Plano; Shaun Daughtery, Prince of Peace Carrollton; Joe Werner, Lord of Life Plano; Pastor Paul Mussachio, Preston Meadow Plano; Pastor Nathan Wendorf, Our Savior McKinney; Pastor Gordon Illausky, Christ the Servant Allen; Pastor John Van Sant, Rejoice Frisco and Pastor Olin Knudsen, Faith Flower Mound.

Each participant received an embossed hammer to drive the symbolic first nail. This was done by Eiron, followed by Senator Shapiro, Representative Madden and Mayor Evans, as well as the church and Thrivent representatives. They also used a felt marker to sign one of the 2x4 studs used in the construction of the home. The church representatives each provided other 2x4’s that had been signed by congregation members as part of the effort to raise funds for the construction.

Volunteers from 10 area Lutheran Churches came out to build on the Eiron’s house. Many employees of JC Penney were on hand as well led by Penney’s executive Bob Bowler.

On-site photographers: Randy Konkel, Sandy Strenger and Lance Treadway. To view more photos courtesy of Lance Treadway, please click here.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is providing 65% of the costs of the home, HfH-SCC 25% of the costs and local chapters and churches will raise the remaining 10%. The home will be built by area volunteers, of whom at least one-half will be Lutheran and one-fourth will be Thrivent Financial members. The Habitat partner family will also invest 400 hours of “sweat equity” helping to build their home. Construction will begin March 29th and is expected to continue for approximately 12 weeks.

Are you ready to change lives and strengthen a family?

Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity helps individuals achieve greater economic independence through the building of decent, affordable homes. You can help a local family facing critical housing needs by volunteering your time and resources. Your help can build better lives and a better community.

Fundraisers and volunteer sign ups will be held at local Lutheran churches throughout Collin County. Contact your congregational champion, the Habitat-SCC office (972-398-0634) or Habitat-NCC office (972-542-5300) for more information.

Thrivent Builds 2008 Sponsors

Thrivent Builds 2008 Build Schedule

Map and Directions to the Build Site　

Volunteer Liability Release Form

For a copy of the Volunteer Liability Release Form (42KB PDF) click here. This form is required to be completed and signed before you can work on one of our Habitat construction sites. If a youth is under 18, a parent or guardian must cosign the form.

2007 Thrivent Builds Information & Photo Gallery