Page 73 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2018

MONEY RAISED AT HANG OUT EVENT WILL FUND FINANCIAL CLASSES AND OWNER OCCUPIED REHABS for low to moderate income families
story by Susan Ruddiman photos courtesy of Habitat for Humanity
The funds raised from the 2018 Hang Out with Habitat event this year will go to programs other than building new houses. One of the outreaches of Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast (HFHMGC) is
the Financial Foundations Classes that offers free classes and coaching
to the community. Since 2012, the classes were opened up to the public with partner organizations and corporations — such as the Biloxi VA and Goodwill Industries — to help their employees and constituents. Since that time, more than 2,200 people have benefitted from the program with the staff conducting more than 6,700 hours of classes and coaching.
Also, HFHMGC has been able
to repair owner-occupied homes when funding allowed with grant partners and donors helping to serve that segment of the population.
“We receive phone calls daily from members of our community who
do not meet one of those existing segments and therefore, we are not able to serve them due to lack of funding,” said Becky Ginn, major donor and corporate gift officer.
Since January, there have been more than 70 families who have asked
for assistance, seeking a resource to help them repair their home while living on a limited income. There are requests for roof repairs, some need flooring and others need handicap accessible accommodations.
“Many need to make repairs so their home is stable and safe,” Ginn said.
HFHMGC was able to remodel a bathroom, add attic insulation and
service the HVAC to the home of a 63-year-old Army veteran who lives in Moss Point. Another family was recipients of the weatherization program, and the elderly siblings are now waiting for potential rehab/ repair funding to come through.
Among the criteria to be eligible for the repairs are that the family must be able to provide proof of ownership, income should be 120 percent Area Median Income (AMI) or below, the home located in Harrison, Jackson or Stone counties and the home must be repairable.
“Our Hang Out event this fall at the IP Resort will certainly address the needs of the 70 plus families who have applied for rehab/repair on their existing home,” said event co- chair Drew Allen of Allen Beverages Inc. “Please join us in supporting Hang Out for Habitat as we attempt to raise $100,000 for our much needed rehab program.”
The HFHMGC Financial Foundations Classes scheduled for the rest of 2018 include:
• Benefits of Banking –
6 p.m. Sept. 13
• Prepare, Plan, Protect, Insuring Your Future
with Legacy Planning –
6 p.m. Sept. 27 and Oct. 2
• Credit Game: How to Play & Win, Saving for Security – 6 p.m. Oct. 25 and Nov. 15
• Power Hour: Spending Planning 101 –
6 p.m. Dec. 11
All courses are at the office, 2214-34th St., Gulfport. Reserve a space by emailing tdavis@hfhmgc.org or calling 228.678.9100.
THE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST OFFICE IS IN NEED OF WORK TRUCKS OF ALL TYPES AND SIZES TO MEET THE DAILY NEEDS OF BUILDING AND REHABILITATING HOUSES. If you would like to donate one, PLEASE CONTACT STEVE AT 228.678.9100.
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