HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GILA REGION NEW MEXICO PO Box 5025 Silver City, New Mexico 88062 505-538-9540
building houses in partnership with God's people in need

Who Are We?

Habitat for Humanity - Gila Region is a Christian ministry bringing together people from many faiths to provide decent housing for people who have difficulty securing conventional home loans. The Gila Region affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1989 to serve the residents of Silver City, New Mexico, and communities within a 30 mile radius.

How does it work?

Habitat builds or renovates homes through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials. Houses are sold to partner families at no profit on no-interest loans over a fixed period. These mortgage payments are returned to the Fund and are used toward the construction of future homes. Partner families contribute 500 hours of sweat-equity towards the construction of their own home and are encouraged to continue to contribute to the cause of building affordable housing for other families.

Who Pays for it?

As an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International we are a locally operated, independent, non-profit organization responsible for our own fund-raising, publicity, volunteer recruitment and staffing. Habitat for Humanity does not receive any government funds except to provide infrastructures necessary to start building. Much of our funding comes from local individuals and businesses who want to share their blessings with those in greater need. Other tax-deductible donations come from a variety of sources: local church campaigns, the United Way of Grant County, aluminum can collection, contributions in memory of loved ones, estate planning, monthly or annual tithes, and support of special events such as yard sales and bowling tournaments.

Is Habitat church affiliated?

We are not affiliated with any one church, but enjoy the enthusiastic support of several churches and the active participation of volunteers of many faiths. The First United Methodist Church and the First Presbyterian Church are covenant churches joined in support of Habitat for Humanity. Members of the Iglesia Hispanica Bautista have worked with us on our projects. Youth groups from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and the St. Francis Newman Center have offered volunteer support participating in construction and clean-up. We seek the participation of local churchs.

How does Habitat build community as well as houses?

How we build is as important as what we build. Through the "Theology of the Hammer" Habitat seeks to forge new bonds of understanding in the community as we join together in working towards a common and concrete goal. Many other service organizations contribute skills, labor, talent and money to specific Habitat projects. The Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Jr. 24 Club, and Wells Fargo Bank, for instance, have been active in their support. If your group would like to participate in a construction or fund-raising project or if you would like to have a presentation about Habitat's activities, please contact us at 505-538-5940.

What have we done?

The Williams Home Our latest build, the William's house at 864 Hester Drive, was completed September 2003. This three-bedroom, two-bath home provides approximately 1285 square feet of comfortable living space for new homeowner Linda Williams and her two teenage boys. The house is the first fully handicap accessible Habitat home built in Grant County, a necessity since Linda is permanently disabled due to a botched back surgery. Despite her disabilities, Linda put in more than her share of sweat equity working at the build site, in the Habitat office and for other nonprofits in the community. This home was dedicated to the memory of Al Mitchell who, with his wife Shirley, was instrumental in founding the Gila Region-HfH affiliate. Though she no longer lives in New Mexico, Shirley was able to attend the dedication of the home and has forged a friendship with the homeowner.

The Higgins Home Therese Higgins and daughter, Amanda Higgins, moved into their new house at 868 Hester St. following a December 2002 dedication ceremony. The 1250 square foot floor plan accommodated a third bedroom which Therese has converted into a workshop. Therese makes and sells jewelry for her livelihood, so her home-based workshop is a true asset. The lot was donated by Silver City resident Sarah Keil, and the home was dedicated to the memory of her husband Bob Keil. Mrs. Keil's generosity continued when she sold a second lot on Hester Drive to Gila Region-HfH at a price below market value. That lot is now the site of the Williams Home.

The Vega HomeMelissa Vega and her children, David 13 and Desiree 8, are the proud owners of a HFH home at 200 W. Bremen St. in Silver City, NM. This three bedroom home has a new range, refrigerator, washer and dryer. The dedication was Dec. 15, 2001. The whole family was excited to no end on that day, to say the least.This is what Habitat for Humanity is all about .... helping others to better themselves. The Gila Region Affiliate and it's board of directors all feel very fortunate to be partnering with this family.

The Diaz Home - This is a 3 bedroom house with an extra half bath to meet the building code in that area.Corrine Diaz said that this house will be such a better environment to raise her children in. At the time of her application, Corrine Diaz had Nathan Rowland, 20; Joshua Roland, 18; twins, Jarita and Erica Diaz, 8 and Crystal Diaz, 5, living in the home. Corrine had been offered the opportunity to clean the home of a friend. Word of mouth soon had her a full schedule of homes to clean. She continues to make her livelihood with her cleaning service. Corrine arranges her cleaning schedule around the girls' school schedules. As soon she was notified she would be the recipient of the Habitat Home, Corrine informed the members of the Selection Committee, "Now, I will be able to go back to school."

The Talamantes Home - This 4 bedroom home will be our second straw bale home, but this time using concrete post and beam. It is located at 47 Truck By-Pass Road. Financing will come from church, individual and civic organization donation, payments from past projects, a generous grant from Wells Fargo Mortgage Company, a HUD grant that partially funded utility hook-up and septic system, a loan for the remainder of the utility hook-ups from Habitat for Humanity International, and a loan from the New Mexico Mortgage finance authority using the Moffett mortgage for collateral. Although funding is in place for this project, we are now faced with almost $23,000 in debt that must be paid.

The Medina Renovation - the bedroom was enlarged and a walk-in, sit-down shower was installed. This project was dedicated in July 1997.

The Amador Home - The passive solar, 4 bedroom home is internationally the first ever Habitat for Humanity utilizing energy efficient, environmentally friendly straw bale construction. Located at 29 Western Drive, the home was dedicated in June 1995.

The Gutierrez Renovation - Roof and porch repair and renovation of double wide mobile home in Gila completed in February 1994.

The Moffett Home - This two story, 3 bedroom frame house located at 3716 Fran Drive, Silver City was the first new home built by Habitat for Humanity - Gila Region and was completed in May 1991.

The Sosoya-Varela Renovation - Adaptation of access to home and bath for handicapped resident in Bayard in May 1992.

The Lucero Renovation - Installation of heating units in a home in North Hurley in November 1990.

How can I help?

1) You can help keep construction moving and help us retire our debt by donating to our affiliate.

2)Join our construction crew. Whether you live locally or are an RV Caravaner, please check with our office at 505-538-9540 to get the latest update on our work schedule.

3) Join our aluminum can collection effort. We get money for recycling the cans and, if we collect enough, can be eligible to win a grant! This is a great opportunity for clubs and youth organizations to pitch in and improve Silver City/Grant County.

4) Help out in the local office; spearhead or participate in one of our committees; organize a fundraiser or regular tithing program for your church or organization... The opportunities are limited only by your imagination!

5) Call or drop by our office for more details. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Phone is 505-538-9540. E-mail hfhgilaregion@zianet.com. We are located at 915 Santa Rita Street in Silver City. Office space is generously provided by First United Methodist Church.