The McFarland-Gayle family will receive the keys to their new home at Habitat for Humanity of Collin County’s 100th home dedication ceremony this summer.
The organization serves low-income families by building new homes and repairing existing homes.
Development Director John Baublis said the home dedication ceremonies are very meaningful to everyone who is a part of the organization.
“Our builders get very emotional when they turn those keys over because they've seen that building go from a slab to now transforming a life,” Baublis said. “We are getting ready to give a veteran and her family their new home. Now that family moves from being dependent on a system to giving back to the community. That’s the glorious thing about what we do at Habitat. We provide a permanent solution to affordable housing.”
Once families move into their new homes, they often continue volunteering with the organization. Whether that’s by helping to build homes for another family or acting as a mentor who guides a family through the process, Baublis said home recipients are always part of the Habitat family.
Originally scheduled for June 1, the event was postponed due to weather but is now set for the third week of June. This ceremony will mark a significant milestone as it is the 100th Habitat home in Collin County.
“It’s extremely exciting for us,” Baublis said.
The dedication ceremony will be a way for public officials, community members and Habitat partners to celebrate the completion of the home. The McFarland-Gayle family will honor their grandmother’s memory as they move into their new home, which she had hoped to share with them before passing away during its construction.
“It’s always a very emotional day for all of us, but it’s also a day of celebration,” Baublis said.
Habitat for Humanity’s mission extends beyond building homes; it’s about creating a supportive network for families.
“We are working with the McKinney Food Pantry to start providing the first two weeks of food to our families when they move in,” CEO Sam Lawrence said.
Habitat for Humanity of Collin County is also hoping to partner with the Community Lifeline Center to provide further resources to families, such as help with bills or other financial needs.
The organization hopes to partner with other nonprofits to provide a supportive structure to families that meets all their needs in one place.
“It’s so important for us to not only build a house, but to partner with other organizations,” Baublis said. “We want to make sure we have a network that puts families in a position to succeed.”
Families who live and work in Collin County can apply for a home through Habitat for Humanity. To apply for a home or to sign up to volunteer, visit the organization’s website.
The above story was produced by Multi-platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.