Page 29 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2017

While working with homeowners and homebuyers, Habitat identified that the need for financial education was not limited to our clients. Our staff launched a full line of financial literacy classes offered to the Coast at no charge. We have since expanded the curriculum
to include courses for 15-25 year olds, clients looking to better understand their insurance options and those looking
to learn more about legacy planning.
In addition to free classes offered at
our Gulfport office, our staff travels to partner agencies to offer the classes. For those in need of more individualized attention, free one-on-one financial counseling is available.
Innovations in the construction arena have included converting MEMA cottages into permanent dwellings, incorporating FORTIFIED insurance standards into
our building practices and working
with local architects to determine a housing aesthetic that is consistent with the Coastal community. We have built platinum and gold certified LEED homes and include energy-efficient design into all construction. The need for quality repairs on existing homes is great in our community and as funding is available, Habitat works to make repairs for local homeowners.
Our mission expanded with the opening of the Habitat ReStore where home improvement items, both new and gently used, are available to the public at a
fraction of retail cost. The ReStore keeps items from the landfill and provides quality products at an affordable cost.
Habitat MS Gulf Coast’s most recent Women Build fundraiser brought 200+ women together to volunteer and raise the money needed to begin construction of a new home in Gulfport. Volunteer opportunities on the job site and at the ReStore are available weekly.
Our fall fundraiser, “Hang Out
with Habitat,” gives individuals and companies the opportunity to rappel 300’ down the side of the IP Casino Resort Spa raising funds to build a home for a Coast family. Corporate Sponsors and Individuals will come together through donating or raising money, making it possible for Habitat to reach the $150,000 goal that has been set to build the
house. Companies are being approached to compete in “Toss the Boss” where employees raise money to have their boss or coworker rappel.
Habitat for Humanity of the MS Gulf Coast has emerged as one of the leading builders in Mississippi and one of the more progressive Habitat entities in
the nation. We work in partnership
with community stakeholders to create innovative, sustainable solutions by empowering community members
to actively participate in creating opportunities for people to transform their own lives.
“Creating opportunities for people to transform their own lives”
Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast
2214 34th St.,Gulfport 228.678.9123 www.hfhmgc.org
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
September 2017 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 29
FOR COAST RESIDENTS