Chas Massey, native Amarilloan and avid community servant is the Director of Amarillo's Habitat for Humanity Project. Chas began her presentation by saying that NO, homes are not given away free. The recipients must meet stringent requirements and be involved in the building process as well. Currently there are over 275 families on the waiting list. The homes are constructed in neighborhoods to provide a sense of community.
Amarillo Habitat for Humanity is a Christian-based nonprofit dedicated to eliminating substandard housing through its mission: "Seeking to put God's love into action”. Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since founded in 1981, Amarillo Habitat for Humanity has completed more than 100 homes in our community. Habitat builds three-to-five bedroom homes for low-to-median income families who qualify and complete their program requirements.
A Habitat home is provided to a family with a 25-year, no interest mortgage loan. (Doyle Moore 355-9202) This allows for a lower monthly payment and brings more income stability to the household. Applications for new homeowners are generally made available in the fall. Potential applicants must fall within the income ranges specified, have a credit score of 550 or higher, and meet other qualifications to be considered for the program.
A limited number of Partner Families are accepted into the program each year. A home visit must be conducted to establish need and applications must receive approval from the Amarillo Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors. By providing safe, affordable homes to underserved, low-income populations, they also have the responsibility to educate the families on healthy financial and lifestyle habits to ensure their success as a homeowner and overall citizen.
Once accepted into the program, applicants are deemed A Habitat "Partner Families" and are required to complete a three step Homeowner Partnership Program:
1. Sweat Equity. Partner Families must complete 500 volunteer hours with the organization by working on other families' homes, working at the ReStore and/or helping with other Amarillo HFH projects. Children can also help earn these house with each A they earn in school.
2. Financial Stability Classes. Partner Families are required to attend 30 educational classes that focus on Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University curriculum, financial stewardship, basic maintenance skills and the responsibilities of owning a home (i.e. timely payments, insurance, etc.).
3. Down payment. Partner Families must provide a $1,500 down payment toward their first year of taxes and insurance on their home.
The Homeowner Partnership Program generally takes about 18 months to 2 years to complete. Each home must be fully funded before construction begins. (Coney Burgess 354-0815) This is why it is so vital they have community support. Monetary and in-kind donation of goods or services are appreciated and valued.
Amarillo HFH offers a unique volunteer experience that can benefit you as an individual or as part of a group or team. Not only can you work side by side with the people your support is directly impacting, but also your work on a home can be seen for years to come, simply by driving through their neighborhood.
AHFH provides an opportunity for people to put their faith and love into action whether through building a home, serving on a committee or volunteering as a board member. No construction skills are necessary to volunteer in any capacity. They provide on-site training which includes instructions on the day's project, safety, and tool demonstration. They are blessing their 105th home this month, so please "Spread the Word!"
For more information about how to qualify or partnership requirements, please contact Sarah Curtis at 806-383-3456 or
sarah.curtis@amahfh.org
CAPROCK SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Shelly Cunningham updated us on the recently initiated Scholarship Program that honors AISD students who exemplify Service Above Self. $500 is award to one student in each of the AISD high schools. Applications include the student writing an essay on the application and use of the Four Way Test. Our winner in Caprock was Sugey Bustillos.
We have two, New Member Proposals from Lucy Hernandez.
Julio Tudon, Senior Financial Advisor for Merrill Lynch, classification, Financial Planning.
Travis Fanelli, Realtor for Keller Williams, classification, Real Estate.
Rotary Hold-Up.
Martin Birkenfeld announced there are two open dates: July 6 and August 3. Please contact Martin if you want to host those evenings. This is a 10-11 week program in cooperation with the Amarillo Police Department, Feldman's restaurant in Canyon and the local hotels. "Hold ups" are held each Wednesday afternoon at the travel center on I-40.
And Last but not Least, information on the ever growing Gambling Pot. As it stands now we have $4722.00 and it will grow a little more after Thursday’s meeting. Good luck someone.
Thank you Rotarians:
Jeff Lester - Presiding
David Walvoord - Invocation
Daniel Martinez - National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance
Dale Bippus, Mel Darnell - Greeters
Lea Ann Fulton - Introductions
Madeleine Frume - Program Chair
Martin Birkenfeld - Raffle ticket sales
Mary Stephens - Wheels
