Connecting with the Community: Habitat for Humanity

Connecting with our community is a top priority. Each month in 2017, Homes by Taber donates to a selected charity organization and encourages employees to volunteer.

In September, Homes by Taber will give back to the community with Habitat for Humanity. A global nonprofit housing organization, Habitat for Humanity works in nearly 1,400 communities across the United States.

What They Do

Habitat for Humanity builds new homes, renovates existing homes, aids in repairs, and advocates for decent and affordable housing. The Disaster Response branch of Habitat for Humanity works to aid local communities that have been victims of national disasters as well. Currently, Habitat for Humanity is working on raising donations for the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Habitat for Humanity values the comfort and security that having your own home can bring, which is why they work hard to bring that joy to everyone possible. In fact, surveys of Habitat homeowners reveal that decent housing has:

• Improved children’s grades
• Bettered family’s financial health
• Increased confidence of parents
• Lead to healthier lives

Habitat for Humanity believes that decent, affordable shelter is the foundation for all these improvements and much more.

Who They Help

The houses built for Habitat for Humanity are meant for families in need of decent, affordable housing. According to the official Habitat for Humanity website, after applying for homeownership, potential homeowners are chosen based on three criteria:

1. Level of need
2. Willingness to partner with the organization
3. Ability to repay mortgage through an affordable payment plan

Homeowners with Habitat for Humanity can actually work alongside volunteers to help build their new home or help build homes for another family. This unique approach comes from Habitat’s “co-workers, not caseworkers” mentality, from founder Clarence Jordan.

Jordan believed in working side-by-side with volunteers to create non-profit housing in partnership with the very families who wanted to live there. While the name has changed over the years (it originally began as The Fund for Humanity,) their mission has remained unchanged.

Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity

Serving central Oklahoma (including OKC), the Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHH) builds 45-50 homes annually in the OKC area. Homes by Taber will be contributing to this goal once more!

In February, more than twenty members of the Homes by Taber team helped frame a house with the COHH. Taber LeBlanc was among the team helping out the local division of Habitat for Humanity, showcasing his dedication to giving back to our communities.

In September, Homes by Taber will be helping out Habitat for Humanity by donating $250 from each home sold. At the end of the month, we hope to hand over a large check to help Habitat for Humanity take care of even more families.

Habitat for Humanity was chosen by our Director of Construction, Devin Akins.

“I knew it was a way we could utilize our skills to help the community. Our whole team has a fun time volunteering and it always feels great to contribute.”

We’re excited to dedicate this month to Habitat for Humanity!

How You Can Help

The difference starts at home! Habitat for Humanity welcomes volunteers as well as donations.

"There are so many people who need help. Whether donating money, time, or both, we owe it to our community to give back,” Taber LeBlanc, founder of Homes by Taber, says.

Here are several ways you can volunteer with Habitat for Humanity:

1. Locally. Volunteer with a Habitat for Humanity division near you, and help give back to the community. You can find your local Habitat for Humanity by clicking here.
2. Travel. Habitat for Humanity also offers you the opportunity to travel: serving over 40 countries, you can give back to the global community while expanding your own horizons. Click here to start your journey.
3. Long-term. Want to volunteer for more than just a day or more? You can work with Habitat for Humanity through AmeriCorps, the International Volunteer Program, as well as the U.S. Long-Term Volunteer Program. You can learn more about those options by clicking here.

Of course, Habitat for Humanity is not the only charity organization out there. Do your own research to find your passion and start your own journey to giving back to your community!