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Woodforest Charitable Foundation Contributes $25,000 to Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity Receives $25,000 Contribution

Photo Caption:Vicki Richmond; Linda O'Dell; Cynthia Brandt; Ginger Jaeger; Marguerite Ference; Andy Hernandez; Barbara Smith; Brandon Marling; Kimberly Lacayo; Dr. David Gottlieb; Michael Weesner; and Kim Marling. .

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- Woodforest Charitable Foundation has recently contributed $25,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County for continuing support of a new housing neighborhood in Conroe.

Last year, Woodforest Charitable Foundation pledged $100,000 over four years to the non-profit organization. This year's contribution marks the second of four annual $25,000 donations and will help fund Phase Two of a new housing infrastructure in Conroe.

Last year Habitat for Humanity began Phase One of the development. One hundred homes are planned for completion. Phase Two involves roads and utilities to accommodate additional homes.

Within Montgomery County, many families are living in dangerous, unhealthy housing, and are struggling every day just to get by. People are often surprised to learn that many of these individuals and families work full time, but still cannot afford minimally decent housing because their income is too low for them to qualify for government assistance in housing loans.

Through Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, they are offered hope for a better future through a self-help solution. In an effort to facilitate decent, affordable homes in partnership with those in need, Habitat for Humanity provides permanent housing solutions to very low-income working families, helping them to become homeowners and break the cycle of poverty.

Families who sign up contribute a minimum required 350 hours of "sweat equity" once construction begins, which will help to build their homes and the homes of other Partner Families. The "sweat equity" becomes their down payment, and the Habitat provides a zero interest mortgage which the homeowner repays over 20 years. Homeowner?s principal payments go back into the local Fund for Humanity and are used to build more homes.

"We are once again very grateful to accept a generous donation by Woodforest Charitable Foundation as we continue building a new community for deserving, hard working, low-income families who are in need," said Barbara Smith, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County. "Without financial support by such community-minded organizations, we would not be able to bring such an important mission to fruition and make a difference in the lives of others."

Dr. David Gottlieb of Woodforest Charitable Foundation, added, "Owning your own home is an integral part of the American dream and immediately makes you and your children an investor and stakeholder in the future of your community. Habitat for Humanity provides a plan and the means for those families who possess the values, desire and motivation necessary for success but lack the financial means required to obtain a loan or mortgage."

"Habitat for Humanity is there to open the door to the future by partnering with the client in a joint venture to provide a place of stability and pride for them. Our support of Habitat for Humanity is fundamental to the mission of Woodforest Charitable Foundation," Dr. Gottlieb said.

The Woodforest Charitable Foundation was created by Woodforest National Bank in 2005 as a direct result of its desire to support and invest in the communities in which it serves. The Foundation is creating a legacy of commitment to those in need, enriching lives and communities through dedicated leadership and faithful administration by providing funding to qualifying 501(c)(3) charities.
For additional information regarding the Woodforest Charitable Foundation, call (832) 375-CARE (2273) or visit the foundation's Web site at www.woodforestcharitablefoundation.org.