Page 71 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2017

GIVING BACK affordable housing
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast (HFHMGC) was formed in 2007, shortly after Hurricane
Katrina when Habitat for Humanity of Harrison and Jackson counties joined forces to form a unified organization.
“While each previously had its own Habitat affiliates that dated back to the 1980s, the need for affordable housing was drastically increased following Katrina and the two entities merged to have a greater impact,” said Lindsay Freise Avery, director of resource development. “Programs have evolved to meet the community’s needs. We provide strength, stability and self- reliance through shelter, financial education classes and counseling, and opportunity.”
One of the organization’s key initiatives is the housing program in which Habitat builds and rehabilitates affordable housing across the
Gulf Coast. The homes are built
by volunteers as well as Habitat homeowners, and are paid for through donations and the mortgages of Habitat homeowners. These monthly payments are used to build even more Habitat houses. Since their origination,
HFHMGC has built, rehabbed and repaired 1,065 homes.
Along with its housing program, Habitat is proud to provide Financial Foundations, a personal finance coaching and education program designed to offer participants
the resources and support they
need to live a life free of financial worry. “Through an array
of workshops, seminars
and one-on-one strategy
sessions with our program specialists, participants
will gain the skills and
confidence they need to
tackle their most pressing
financial challenges,” Avery said.
To help support the cause, consider volunteering at a Habitat for Humanity job site or donating items to ReStore, Habitat’s nonprofit home improvement outlet. “Another great way to support our cause this holiday season is by purchasing a 2 x 4 for family and friends, which includes a personalized message that will stay with the home forever,” Avery said.
Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Gulf Coast 228.678.9100 • www.hfhmgc.com
ABOVE: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY volunteers from IP Casino Resort Spa. BELOW: ReStore offers free pickups.
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
December 2017 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 71
STEPHEN MORGAN repels down the IP Casino Resort Spa as part of a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity.