Page 86 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2024

GIVING BACK story by Lynn Lofton
photos courtesy of Habitat for Humanity
The cornerstone of Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Gulf Coast is the commitment to providing a wide range of housing solutions to meet the diverse needs of the community. That means building new homes, repairing existing ones, and offering vital support services to help families thrive, according to CEO Chris Monforton.
Habitat began here in the 1980s, initially operating as separate affiliates in Harrison and Jackson Counties. That changed after Hurricane Katrina when the two affiliates united their efforts. Later the service area expanded to include Stone County.
“Our affiliate is committed to addressing the heightened demand for high-quality, affordable housing and also offers a comprehensive financial education program.” Monforton said. “By doing so, we aim to empower individuals in our community, fostering strength, stability, and self-reliance.”
Senior Director of Operations Kelly McGill says, “In addition to building new homes, we provide essential repairs and rehabilitations to existing homes – especially for families affected by storm damage or those struggling to maintain their homes due to limited financial resources. These repairs help families maintain their homes and ensure they remain safe, secure, and livable.”
Habitat also offers free financial education and one-on-one coaching to help families improve their financial literacy and better manage their resources. Classes are offered year round.
“Through these programs, families are empowered to make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, and long-term
financial planning,” McGill said. “We are committed to providing
a wide range of housing solutions to meet the diverse needs of our community whether that means building new homes, repairing existing ones, or offering vital support services to help families thrive.”
She adds that Habitat is appreciative of its many volunteers and corporate sponsors.
Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Gulf Coast
2214 34th St., Gulfport 228.678.9100 • www.hfhmgc.org.
86 | December 2024
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