Army Vet Has a Habitat Home this Christmas, LIVINGSTON, December 13, 2020 - On December 11, 2020, Army veteran, Michael Leedie and his wife Gay Leedie, finalized the purchase of a home built by Habitat for Humanity of Polk County. The house, not far from the old Dunbar High School in Livingston, was once a dilapidated structure, headed for tax foreclosure and likely to be demolished by the City of Livingston. That all changed when Habitat for Humanity stepped in and purchased the home and through its partners and volunteers, renovated the home. “We took the house down to the studs and essentially built a new home,” stated Habitat board President, Tommy L. Coleman. Habitat for Humanity partners with people in the community to help them build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and eventually pay an affordable mortgage. The goal is to help Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves through decent and affordable housing.
Families in need of decent, affordable housing may apply for homeownership with Habitat for Humanity. Habitat’s family selection committee selects homeowners based on three criteria:
The applicant’s level of need; Their willingness to partner with Habitat; and Their ability to repay a mortgage through an affordable payment plan.
Additionally, Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price. The proceeds are used to build Habitat homes. The public is invited to visit the Polk County Habitat resale store located at 600 Washington in Livingston.
Habitat thanks its board members, volunteers and sponsors who contributed to this most recent build, including:
Pat McCulley- Country World Realty David Lopez- Integrity Performance Jennie Kley- Economy Portable Buildings Scott Nelson- Nelson PHS, LLC Otto Lyons, Habitat Board Member Theron Williams- Expert Appraisal Group Candice Davies- First National Bank Shane Lyons- Lyons AC & Heating Tatiana Wells, Habitat Board Member Texas CARCO CH Marine Lee Hon, District Attorney First State Bank Brandy Vickery- Vickery Dirt Lowe’s Home Improvement Tommy L. Coleman, Habitat Board President Community Supervision & Corrections Dept. of Polk County
If you would like to comment on this story, we'd love to hear from you. Email us at pctletters@gmail.com. Be sure to include the story subject in the subject line of your email, also list your name and town in your letter. Your letter will be posted in Letters to the Editor.
