For many people, a home is much more than just four walls and a roof. It is a sanctuary – a place to rest, meet loved ones and create lasting memories.
But for some families, home can become a place of struggle and distress. That's the reality for an elderly couple in McKinney whose health has deteriorated alongside the condition of their home. Over the years, the couple's home slowly fell into disrepair and became increasingly unsafe and unsanitary.
Thanks to Habitat for Humanity's Critical Repairs Project, this couple now has a lifeline. The project aims to replace their deteriorating home with a new, safe and accessible house, providing a fresh start.
Habitat for Humanity intervenes
Habitat for Humanity's Critical Repairs Project is part of Habitat for Humanity's ongoing initiative focused on helping families experiencing housing insecurity.
Thanks to this project, the couple, who are both struggling with serious health problems, now have the chance for a fresh start.
The couple's current living situation, with hazardous air, unsafe conditions and lack of essential services such as gas and insurance, has added to their stress. With chronic illnesses such as diabetes, lung disease and high blood pressure, the challenges of their everyday lives have become overwhelming.
In addition to being structurally sound, the new home will have features that improve accessibility and comfort and will include essential elements selected by the couple to support their health.
“The family had the opportunity to choose from multiple floor plan sketches to ensure their new home met their specific needs,” said CEO Shonda Schaefer. “We can’t always offer families the opportunity to choose the design of their home, but when we do have the opportunity it’s so important. It allows them to be part of the process and ensures the home truly meets their needs.”
A new beginning
For the couple, this new house is much more than just a roof over their heads. It is a new beginning – a safe and stable environment in which they can live without the constant fear that their home will fall apart or that they will have to make do with the lack of essential services.
“An example of the challenges they faced at home was having to cook on an electric burner that was over the stove because they didn't have a gas connection,” Schaefer said. “She spent 20 years mentoring students in the cafeteria at Webb Elementary School, but at home she struggled to cook just for her own family. The new home will make a significant difference to their daily lives and overall wellbeing.”
The project also highlights Habitat for Humanity's broader impact on communities. By providing a safe, supportive environment for families facing overwhelming challenges, the organization strengthens not only the lives of individuals, but those of the entire neighborhood.
“When we provide people with a safe and stable home, we create a domino effect that strengthens the fabric of the entire neighborhood,” Schaefer said. “This home will not only help this family thrive, but also ensure the community remains a place where everyone can live with dignity.”
A community effort
While demolition and reconstruction work is underway, Habitat for Humanity continues to seek community support to help complete the project. Whether through volunteering, donating or spreading information, there are many ways to make a difference.
“We are incredibly grateful for every donation we receive,” Schaefer said. “Every contribution makes a difference. Recurring donations are particularly helpful because they help us plan more effectively. But it’s not just about giving – advocacy is also crucial. We encourage people to spread the word because raising awareness is key to making a lasting impact in our communities.”
If you are interested in volunteering, visit the volunteer welcome page on the Habitat for Humanity Collin County website or contact volunteer coordinator Denver Morris at [email protected].
If you would like to donate to this project or to Habitat for Humanity, visit the Donate Now section of the website to determine the amount and frequency of donation.
To learn more about the Green Street Project or other Collin County affiliate projects, visit the Habitat for Humanity Collin County website.
The story above was produced by multi-platform journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's storytelling team, with information provided solely by the local business as part of its “sponsored content” purchase through our advertising team.