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Habitat for Humanity
By Edna Heard

PHOTOS BY EDNA HEARD

As housing costs increase, homeownership has become an untenable goal for many in fast-growing Williamson County. Volunteers
with Habitat for Humanity Williamson County work with potential homeowners to help make their dreams a reality.

Local nonprofit a favorite of Sun City volunteers

As home to two of the fastest growing Formed in 1976, Habitat for Humanity volunteers – many of whom come from
cities* in the nation, Williamson “brings people together to build right here in Sun City.
County has construction occuring homes, communities and hope.” The
over much of its area. According to city organization was created by Millard When people in Sun City Texas talk about
data, Georgetown constructed 1,100 new Fuller who, at just 33 years of age, volunteering with HFHWC, they call it a
multi-family units and about 780 single abandoned his self-made millions and labor of love. Volunteers meet two days a
family homes in 2015 alone. The high rededicated his life to Christian service. week at a designated building site. Some
demand has created a sellers’ market, Millard and his wife Linda believed that attend both days, some one day, some
with some individuals buying up two or all people – regardless of race, religion just part of a day. People come to the
even three properties to capitalize on our or circumstance – were deserving organization from all walks of life, with
area’s increasing resale value. of a decent home. By the time their all levels of skill. SCTX resident Susie
Georgetown affiliate opened in 1999, Gates has been a volunteer for about four
But there are those for whom home Habitat for Humanity had become an years and does everything she can. She
ownership of any kind seems impossible. international success. Georgetown and has picked up multiple new skills, loves
For some people, working hard and paying Round Rock combined their efforts the work and has an enjoyable time while
their taxes just hasn’t been enough to keep to form Habitat for Humanity of helping others.
up with the increasing costs associated Williamson County (HFHWC) in 2007
with the city’s booming success. That’s and have since provided new homes for Residents Jerry Blose and Janie Walser
where Habitat for Humanity of Williamson 71 families and worked with over 15,000 both assist HFHWC away from the
County comes in. build site: Jerry provides support work

68 | SUNRAYS SEPTEMBER 2016 ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG