Carpenters for Christ News

The House that Steve Built

Each year in February the Carpenters for Chirst ministry teams with the Habitat for Humanity chapter at SMU for a concentrated 'Blitz Build', where the two organizations, along with hundreds of church and corporate volunteers, combine to construct two Habitat for Humanity homes in just over two weeks.  2012 witnessed the highlight of this decade-long tradition with dedication of the entire build to Rev. Steve Matthew, Senior Associate HPUMC Pastor, friend and mentor to Carpenters for Christ and to many other ministries at the Church.  Steve plans to retire in May.

Marc and Jane Sparks graciously provided the funding for both homes, and one of the homes was also built in honor of their daughter, Lauren, a SMU graduate.  Construction began on Saturday, February 18, 2012, and Carpenters' work was completed on Saturday, March 3, 2012.

All during the construction period volunteers were treated to Steve's actual presence, "Steve" t-shirts in blue color with his picture and a larger-than-life photo of him, nicknamed "Flat Steve".  Before the installation of brick and drywall Steve's friends and acquaintances had the opportunity to sign messages to him, all of which have been saved on digital media.  At the dedication service Steve was awarded the same gifts bestowed on new Habitat homeowners, and at the conclusion Carpenter's regulars, church staffers and his family and friends presented Steve with an array of new tools and "fix-it" items that he can use in his workshop at  home.

This celebration of Steve, as festive as it was, composed a mere understatement of the high regard in which Steve is held by so many for his work and devotion to his church, his friends and his God.

A Great WillieBuild

Five years ago one of  HPUMC's fine young men passed away with cancer.  His name was Willie Tichenor.  The church became the recipient of a substantial number of gifts in Willie's memory.  As the memorials continued to grow, his family wanted the proceeds of this giving to be used to remember Willie in a unique way.  For years Willie and his family had been drawn to helping the needs of people living in the West Dallas community.  This included work and gifts at the Wesley-Rankin Community Center and in building homes in partnership with  HPUMC and Habitat for Humanity.

It was decided that the entire memorial fund should be used to build Habitat for Humanity homes for families in West Dallas, for as long as the money lasted.  Later on the fund was enhanced by memorials made in memory of Willie's aunt, Medora White.  Carpenters for Christ at HPUMC was asked to provide some of its veterans as core volunteers, and friends of Willie and his family took on the complete logistical and volunteer suppport.

On Saturday, May 21, 2011 WillieBuild volunteers dedicated their sixth home in five years.  Plans are that this will be the end of the WillieBuilds, at least in their present format.  Much has transpired in the past five years, the most important is that remembrances made to Willie and his aunt have dramatically changed the lives of six economically vulnerable families forever.

To learn more of Willie's life go to www.williebuild.com .

A Win-Win Situation

In the middle of the year Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity found itself needing to takedown five lots from the City of Dallas and complete homes on them by year-end, in order to meet an agreement with the City. DAHfH had the labor necessary to complete the task but needed a financial sponsor for each of the homes. Carpenters for Christ was very fortunate to arrange with William (Bill) Tichenor for the funding of these homes.

For this accommodation Carpenters for Christ was given sponsor’s credit for the five homes, and these will count as Homes #70, #71, #72, #73 and #74 under HPUMC’s commitment to build 100 homes with the local Habitat organization. This leaves 26 homes to be built under that program, a true win-win event if there ever was one.