Fickensher Family Home Dedication

Saturday, March 27th, 2021

6th St, Garland TX, 75040

This home is the capstone of our Veterans Build Initiative, the audacious endeavor to physically move three 1920’s houses and re-construct them for Veterans. Heather and Al are both Navy veterans. They have six children, one of which has a severe disability. Heather is the main caretaker for him and their other kids, while Al works 2 jobs to support the family. Their prior home was a small, unsafe environment for eight people to be living in. By partnering with Habitat Greater Garland they now enjoy a spacious new home where they can continue to raise their family. Habitat is always a hand up, not a hand out. Habitat Partner Families complete sweat equity hours as well as financial readiness training.

The Home Dedication Ceremony is a symbolic occasion where a family receives the keys to their new Habitat home and the affiliate acknowledges the generosity and hard work of sponsors, volunteers, and volunteer groups who helped fund and complete the project.

Melesse and Habtam’s Home Dedication

Saturday, November 7th, 2020 at 10am

Parker Circle, Garland TX, 75040

Melesse and Habtam both work full time jobs and have four children in their household. They immigrated to the United States from Ethiopia seeking asylum from political turmoil. Habitat asked how they thought their family’s lives will change once they move into their new Habitat house. They said, “[It will] provide a sense of pride, safety, and privacy.” These are all things many people may take for granted.

We like to say, “Habitat is a hand up, not a hand out.” As part of their Homeowner Partnership Agreement, Melesse and Habtam were required to work 450 hours of sweat equity helping to build their own home and working in our ReStore. They also completed a total of 16 hours of financial readiness and new homeowner training.

The Home Dedication Ceremony is a symbolic occasion where a family receives the keys to their new Habitat home and the affiliate acknowledges the generosity and hard work of sponsors, volunteers, and volunteer groups who helped fund and complete the project.

Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand. It is the greatest gift anyone can give.