Eight downtown Frisco homes are each receiving $2,500 renovations, thanks to volunteers with North Collin County Habitat for Humanity.

Work on the eight homes began in October and will continue into spring as part of Habitat's Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, which is designed to improve low-cost housing for seniors, people with disabilities and low-income residents.

"We visited the targeted neighborhood—old town residential in Frisco—and did a neighborhood solicitation of those homes needing exterior repairs," said Debbie Mormon, development associate for NCCHH. "Those approached were selected by income and need."

Residents are required to repay about 10-30 percent of the total repair cost in the next year, based on income.

"They are also asked to partner with us if possible by working with the volunteers to perform some of the tasks on their homes," Mormon said.

Repairs through the Neighborhood Revitalization Intitiative began in east McKinney last year. To date, 34 homes have been completed.

The project has corporate support with Plano's Denbury Resources Inc. providing volunteers. Others from the community, area churches and clubs have helped as well.

Mormon said there are several more homes in the area in need of repairs.

"We are looking for companies, businesses, churches, etc. to help with both volunteers and donations for these homes," she said.

How to help

Habitat is always looking for volunteers.

Anyone 14 and older can volunteer, and those interested are required to attend a 45-minute orientation before beginning work. The orientation includes background information, covers safety issues and addresses questions.

Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

Find more information online at

ncc-habitat.com or by contacting Dawn Serr at [email protected].