From Devastation To Dream-Building: Cleveland County Habitat For Humanity Partners With Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show

At this time last year, the Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity made a commitment to help rebuild homes in Moore, OK, after devastating tornadoes and storms swept through the area in May 2013. They had been working diligently to find 10 lots for 10 families to build safe new homes. They were also looking for a tornado shelter company to provide secure, affordable shelters for the families. It was quite a busy time for the non-profit organization.

Fast forward one year and there has been great progress. Three homes are near completion and two more are slated to break ground shortly. A grant from the United Way of Central Oklahoma will afford shelters for all 10 families, and Storm Safe Tornado Shelters, a company in Oklahoma City, will provide and install the shelters at a much-needed discount. The grant will also help the families by paying their down payment, closing costs, and insurance for the first year.

The Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity is fortunate to receive the time and efforts of volunteers who are still dedicated to the rebuilding efforts in Moore. Many come from out of state to help, including student groups using their college spring and fall breaks to travel to Oklahoma to work for people they have never met before.

"Words do not describe our gratitude for all the volunteers, sponsors, and donations we receive to help our rebuilding efforts," said Linda Banta, Executive Director. "We are a non-profit organization with just 10 employees, and without the enormous amount of support we receive, we could not continue to accomplish the dream of homeownership for our families in need."

As the charity partner at this year's Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show, Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity will work hard to raise awareness about the home building they provide and volunteer opportunities their work offers. This year kids can paint and decorate bird houses for a small donation, and the organization will raffle off a backyard play set. The University of Oklahoma Chapter of Habitat for Humanity will also share the booth to raise awareness for the Habitat affiliate. Visit their booth in the Modern Living building to learn more.

The Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show takes over the State Fair Park of Oklahoma January 16 -18, 2015. With appearances by national celebrities including Kevin O'Connor and the Renegade Gardener, hundreds of exhibitors, and local home and garden experts, it's a must-attend event. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on our Facebook Ticket Deals.

JANUARY 16 - 18, 2015.
THE STATE FAIR PARK OF OKLAHOMA 

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Home + Garden with a Heart - Habitat Helps Moore Tornado Victims

Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity Helps Moore Tornado Victims

In Moore, Oklahoma, a place devastated by a tornado that destroyed nearly 1,200 homes, killed 23 people and injured 377, Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity is providing help and hope. And as the 2014 Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show feature charity, show visitors can provide hope too.

Click here and save $2 on tickets with code: HABITAT

In spring of 2014, Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity plans to build at least 10 houses in Moore. Not only will the Habitat homes help bring life back into the city, they will also help many of the families who previously rented build equity through homeownership. And that fact makes Habitat for Humanity executive director Linda Banta very excited.

“The families in Moore have been through so much,” said Banta. “We are thrilled to not only help them rebuild their lives, but also help them achieve a piece of the American Dream.  About 80 percent of our families were previously renting, and now they get to help build their own homes. It’s a really exciting time for them – and us.”

Banta says research shows that children who grow up in homes owned by their parents are more likely to go on to college. The organization is looking forward to teaching future generations about the value of homeownership and providing them a safe, warm place to call home.

Volunteers from all over the United States will converge in Moore to help Habitat for Humanity and the homeowners with the effort.

“Volunteers call us nearly every day to help with our houses,” Banta said. “We have out-of-state university students joining us in the spring and a group from RV Care-A-Vanners who travel to solely to help Habitat for Humanity coming in March. We’ve noticed a big upsurge in our volunteer base since the storms, and we are inspired by how supportive the entire country has been.”

Banta is still looking for a tornado shelter company to help provide shelters at a discounted price.

“We definitely want to provide the shelters so our families are safe if another tornado does come through.  We’re currently looking for a shelter company to provide shelters so we can still keep the homes affordable for the homeowners.”

You can help Habitat for Humanity and the Moore homeowners too! Cleveland County Habitat will be selling tickets to the Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show in their ReStore with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the organization. Tickets can also be purchased online using promo code HABITAT. Attend the Show January 17-19, and stop by the Habitat for Humanity booth number 1723 to purchase tickets for a chance to win a beautiful playhouse (pictured on the right). For a small donation, children can also paint and decorate a wooden birdhouse.

“We are excited to participate in the Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show to help raise much needed funds,” Banta added. “But this will also be a really good opportunity to raise awareness about Habitat for Humanity and remind everyone how rewarding helping others can be. We hope attendees will stop by our booth to learn more about how they can help - whether they are handy at swinging a hammer or not, there’s projects for everyone to do!”

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