For every 100 homes sold by Matt Curtis Real Estate, the company donates one home to Habitat for Humanity Nicaragua.  So, if Matt Curtis Real Estate sells at least one home every 14 hours, that’s a lot of families getting a home south of our border!

“Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another.” 

– Erma Bombeck

The History of Habitat for Humanity

Clarence Jordan first developed the idea of “partnership housing” along with Millard and Linda Fuller.  The team sought out families who lacked sufficient housing but who were willing to work with volunteers to build their homes.  The homeowners would acquire no-interest loans and some assistance to pay for low monthly payments for their housing.

The team collected “The Fund for Humanity” to continue to build more homes, starting in Zaire (now known as the Republic of Congo.)  After working three successful years on the program in Africa, the Fullers returned to the United States and founded Habitat for Humanity International in 1976.

Habitat for Humanity became a household name, especially after President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter became involved and publicized the organization.

Habitat for Humanity has assisted 9.8 million people in about 70 countries in achieving the dream of home ownership.

How it Works

Applicants who need adequate housing apply with their local Habitat for Humanity.  Habitat for Humanity assesses the applicant’s needs.  Sometimes the applicants simply need repairs and renovations to their current home.  Other times, applicants need a newly constructed house. Potential homeowners must be willing to work alongside volunteers to work on their homes, putting in “sweat equity.”  The applicants must be capable of putting down a small down payment and making the low monthly payments. 

Habitat for Humanity in Nicaragua

According to their website, Habitat for Humanity has been working in Nicaragua since fall 1984. They have served 14,773 families.  Britannica Academic says that Nicaragua is a very poor country with high unemployment rates and a large debt.  The country is still reeling from the effects of a cruel dictator and civil war.  Because of the rampant poverty in this small, Central American country, there is a very great need for adequate housing.

How We Can Help

We in the Rocket City may not be able to go to Nicaragua to help out, but we can join the Matt Curtis Real Estate team in several ways to contribute.  

Sources:

• Britannica Academic- https://academic.eb.com/levels/collegiate/article/Nicaragua/110104
• Habitat for Humanity in Nicaragua- https://www.habitat.org/where-we-build/nicaragua
• Erma Bombeck quote https://navarrepress.com/np-editorial/ode-volunteers-giving-back/

By: Stephanie L. Robertson

Stephanie L. Robertson is a writer and editor who maintains a southern lifestyle blog at www.SweetgumLife.com. A busy Christian wife and mom, Stephanie and her husband of 19 years live in the Huntsville area with their teenage daughter. Stephanie has a self-published short suspense story on Amazon and is working on adding a novel.  When not engaged in mom/wife life, she enjoys photography, Pinterest projects, coffee with family and friends, and immersing herself in a good suspense novel.