Habitat for Humanity is a Christian organization established 30 years ago with the goal of eliminating poverty housing from the face of the earth. Last year (2005), Habitat built its 200,000th home.
The organization builds in 100 countries around the globe, making it one of the largest home builders in the world.
Habitat only goes into communities where they are invited by members of that community, making it a grass-roots organization.
Though unashamedly Christian in purpose and roots, Habitat extends its mission to all regardless of religion - or lack thereof.
It is our mission to "build simple, decent, affordable homes in Blanco County that optimize volunteers, partner families, and commercial resources. Families will be empowered to break the cycle of poverty housing through education, skill development and mentoring."
Research shows that 25% of all single-family dwellings in our county are manufactured homes. 95% of all housing in the county is occupied.
It is also important to note that in the year 2000, the average cost of a house built in Blanco County was $58,000. This had risen to $93,000 by 2005!
Habitat houses range in cost from $800 in developing countries to an average of nearly $60,000 in the U.S.
National research shows that those who own their own homes are much more likely to be able and willing to send their children to college or for further training so that they too will be able to own their homes and contribute to their communities.
The Blanco County Chapter, made up of a group of your friends and neighbors, is associated with the Austin Habitat for Humanity Affiliate, one of the largest affiliates in the country.
The Austin affiliate has a full-time professional staff of nine people.
They spent many hours training our steering committee and providing support for administrative functions such as bookkeeping and family selection. One member of the Blanco Steering Committee sits on the Austin HFH Board of Directors.
All funds received by Austin designated for Blanco County are carefully separated so that they will be spent only by the County chapter.
In addition, the professional expertise and 20 year experience of the Austin affiliate is always available in person, on the phone or e-mail to the Blanco Chapter.
The Crossley-Muerer Family celebrate the groundbreaking of their Habitat for Humanity Home in Johnson City.
The first Habitat home in Blanco County (presently under construction) will cost about $60,000, compared to a county average of $93,000.
The Johnson City homebuyers (partners) are the Christy Crossley and Jeremy Muerer family; their four children range in age from 15 to 3 years old.
