Habitat receives international recognition

Tomé

In just four years, Habitat for Humanity of Valencia County (HHVC) has gone from building only two homes a year for needy families to 20 homes per year.

Now, with a 126-home subdivision in the works, HHVC, one of the largest habitat organizations in the country, has gained international recognition for its high productivity. The local organization is used as an example for Habitat organizations across the nation.

HHVC Executive Director Kevin Cronk said, for a population the size of Valencia County, the typical output is three to four houses a year. He said the boom was unexpected but happened with the help of an “awesome staff.”

Cronk also said their success is “a good show of how our community values families and services to families.”

Also helping with the building increase was a capacity grant from HUD and an $80,000 grant from the Bank of Belen.

“Habitat is not a competition,” Cronk said. “We are a ministry.”

The organization, a Christian ministry, is devoted to “making the love of God visible … and to show people love and compassion,” said Robert Warren, the resource development director.

Cronk and Warren said the main goals of the organization are to “provide affordable housing in Valencia County and to eliminate sub-standard housing.”

Homes built by Habitat for Humanity are generally three to four-bedroom homes, costing families about $300 a month.

Warren spoke of the importance of a good family home. “This may be the only chance these families ever have,” he said.

Of the 126-home project, 11 homes are near completion, but HHVC still needs volunteers and sponsors for the rest of the homes. Cronk said the organization is also in need of donations.

“We need people in the community to donate on a regular basis,” he said.

Cronk and Warren also said HHVC needs help with church relations and is in need of prayer partners.

“We need 500 people to pray for Habitat daily,” he said.

People can sign up to pray at the Habitat office located at 03 Jerusalem Road in Los Lunas. For more information on donating or volunteering, contact the HHVC office at 565-4422.