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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1190-E1191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
______
HON. BILL FLORES
of texas
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 20, 2019
Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bryan-
College Station Habitat for Humanity, which is celebrating its 30th
anniversary this year.
The Bryan-College Station Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1989
when a Texas
[[Page E1191]]
A&M University college student named Heather Hilton came across a
brochure and wondered why there was no locally run affiliate of Habitat
for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing
organization. Heather contacted other pillars of the community who also
noticed the lack of affordable housing in the Brazos Valley. Since its
subsequent formation, the Bryan-College Station Habitat for Humanity
has continued its mission of putting God's love into action by building
homes, communities, and hope in Brazos County, Texas.
In 1990, Victor and Amelia Gonzalez purchased the first home built by
Bryan-College Station Habitat for Humanity. This opportunity allowed
them and their three children to move out of their small trailer with
no heating or cooling and a large hole in the floor. In 2012, they paid
off their mortgage on the home. The Gonzalez family is just one example
of the more than 1,000 people the Bryan-College Station Habitat for
Humanity has helped in their 30 years of existence.
The Bryan-College Station Habitat for Humanity has served 456 adults
and 816 children by providing homeownership opportunities to
individuals and families who earn between 35 and 80 percent of the
area's median income. This past August, the Bryan-College Station
Habitat for Humanity raised the walls of its 298th home, and will reach
its 300th home milestone this year.
The Bryan-College Station Habitat for Humanity is able to provide
these opportunities to those in need through financial donations,
volunteer labor, efficient building methods, standardized designs, and
zero interest loans. Over 70 percent of the land and construction costs
come from the generous donations from businesses, individuals, and
other private sources. Other costs are covered by mortgage payments of
the existing Habitat for Humanity homeowners and revenue from the
Bryan-College Station ReStore which opened in 1995 selling building
supplies, furniture, appliances, and home decor.
In addition to constructing new homes, the Bryan-College Station
Habitat for Humanity has also started a Community Home Repair program
to serve low-income residents. Since the program's inception in 2015,
it has served another 209 homeowners in the Brazos Valley.
The work Habitat for Humanity does is vital to the success of
families in the Brazos Valley. A 2018 study conducted by the Bush
School of Government and Public Service found that families in Habitat
homes visit the doctor less for mold related illnesses, the children
have increased performance in school, and parents are more confident in
funding their children's education. The Bryan-College Station Habitat
for Humanity does more than build and repair homes; they bring people
from all walks of life together to work toward a common goal:
demonstrating God's love by giving a hand up to those in need of
decent, affordable places to live.
Madam Speaker, it is clear that the Bryan-College Station Habitat for
Humanity has had a large and positive impact on the Brazos Valley in
their 30 years of operation. I congratulate them on reaching this
milestone and I look forward to seeing their continued success.
As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our
country, for our veterans, for our military men and women who protect
us, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.
____________________
