Garland County Habitat for Humanity appreciates your end-of-the-year giving!
Thanks to your support, here is what we accomplished in 2023:
Oaklawn Sponsors 9th Annual Women Build
The residents of Beard Street woke up in October to the sound of 30 inspired women hammering away on two new Garland County Habitat for Humanity houses. The organization kicked off its annual Women Build event the first week of October. For the first time in the event’s history, Oaklawn was the Presenting Sponsor.
“We are extremely excited to have Oaklawn as our presenting sponsor this year,” commented Cindy Wagstaff, executive director. “Oaklawn understands the importance of affordable housing in Garland County, and they are doing their part to help improve the lives of others by providing safe and decent places for families to live.
The ninth annual Garland County Habitat for Humanity Women Build encouraged women of all skill levels to participate in building two Habitat for Humanity homes. In addition to helping two deserving families receive a home, this week gave women a sense of camaraderie and team-building opportunities.
“While the Women Build event would not be possible without our generous sponsors,” commented Courtney Post, Public Relations Director, “we also want to acknowledge our volunteer construction crew and our Women Build committee. We are so grateful for our volunteers and the time and energy they put into our mission of providing decent, affordable housing for deserving families.”
Sponsors for this year's event include Oaklawn, Weyerhaeuser, Sam’s Club #4825, Lowe's Home Improvement, Express Boats, Karen Garcia, WinChoice, Simmons Bank, Daniell Heat & Air, First Security Bank, America’s Car-Mart, Radius Aerospace, State Farm Ike Eisenhower Agency, ReMax of Hot Springs Village, Steve and Marilyn Trusty, Relyance Bank, The Waters Hotel, Regions Bank, Express Employment Professionals, National Park Medical Center, BKW Construction and Rave Grafix. Food and Beverage Sponsors included Sugar Mama’s Daylight Donuts, Diamond Lake Federal Credit Union, Hotel Hot Springs, ABI Insurance, Diamond Bank, Longhorn Steakhouse, Destiny’s Bakeshop, Starbucks, Mueller's Bistro & Bakery, Will’s Cinnamon Shop, Hot Springs Civitan Club and Mountain Valley Water. Professional photography was donated by Rebecca Peterman, Brittney Vining, and Katy Wreyford.
Habitat receives Arvest Foundation Grant
Our organization recently received a $20,000 grant from Arvest Foundation to help purchase land in order to continue to build decent, affordable homes in Garland County. The grant money used to purchase the land will be applied to the cost of the home, helping the future homeowner achieve a lower mortgage payment.
“This organization is doing incredible work in helping families in need by building and repairing homes in hopes of providing stable and affordable housing,” said Franklin Bass, community market president for Arvest Bank in Hot Springs. “We are honored to make this donation on behalf of the Arvest Foundation. We hope it significantly impacts the incredible work the Garland County Habitat for Humanity does for our community.”
The Arvest Foundation grant comes at an imperative time for the organization due to the current shortage of affordable, buildable land. “This grant will be used for purchasing property on which to build affordable homes for the workforce in Garland County,” commented Cindy Wagstaff, Executive Director. “The continued escalating costs of land and building materials threaten the affordability factor of our homes, but these funds are designed to reduce the overall cost of the home for the homeowners. This grant provides critical funding in a very specific way and demonstrates Arvest's deep understanding of the needs in our community.”
Habitat Dedicates first Two Story Home
In May, our organization dedicated it’s first two-story home to Nikkie Ponder and her five children. The house is located on Grove Street and was part of the 2022 Heels to Hammers event.
Since moving in, Nikkie has noticed that “not only do her kids seems happier and healthier, they have much more room to run around play.” Nikkie commented that she is “also much happier and less stressed in her new home.”
“I want to thank everyone who helped build my home. My children and I are so happy and all the hard work is greatly appreciated,” Nikkie said regarding the volunteer construction crew.
We were beyond excited to dedicate our first two-story house to Nikkie and her children,” commented Cindy Wagstaff. “With the help and guidance of our construction crew, this house will be a stable place for her family to grow and make memories for years to come.”
A Look Back at Our Families 2023…
We welcomed four families into their new Habitat Homes this year!
Welcome Noemi Ramos, Nikki Ponder, Lanice Bailey, and Tamera Fritz!
...And congrats to our homeowners who paid off their homes this year!
Kudos to Rochelle Henderson, Derrick Sears, Tawana Fox-worth, Kathy Glenn, Tricia Tedford, and Salvadore Rodriguez!
