BRYAN, TEXAS — The first Monday in October is a very special day for the non-profit Habitat for Humanity.
As we celebrate World Habitat Day, the goal is to promote the idea that everyone deserves a decent place to live and the Bryan College Station Habitat for Humanity has the tools to get the job done.
It's a non-profit with a purpose, to help low-income families get affordable homes.
"For me everyday is World Habitat Day. I have been here for almost 10 years now. I love what habitat stands for and what we do for the community. It's amazing...the longer I have been here, the more connected I get with the community," Nathan Touchette, Director of Property and Construction with Habitat for Humanity says.
Touchette says the BCS Habitat for Humanity location has built nearly 300 homes for families in the Bryan College Station area.
Part of the requirement for owning a Habitat for Humanity home is putting in 'sweat-equity' hours, hard labor the Lopez family in Bryan knows all too well.
"600 hours.. or 800 hours.. something like that.. that's cake... that's nothing because its for you," Alvaro Lopez, a Habitat homeowner of 5 years says.
"We are just grateful, very grateful and very grateful to a lot of other people who support the organization," Dulce Lopez, Alvaro's wife added.
All month long, you can help support your local Habitat for Humanity by visiting one of their pumpkin patches, either in Bryan or College Station.
"Every little bit like the pumpkin patch and the ReStore...all comes back to our affiliate for us to build more affordable housing," Touchette added.
BCS native Jaime Roman makes visiting one of Habitat's pumpkin patches in Bryan College Station a yearly tradition with his family.
"Habitat for Humanity has always been something that has been very special, not just to this community, but many communities across the country. The work that they do to support people who are in need of a home and really to grab the community together to get everyone a roof over their head. We are really excited to support the cause," Jaime Roman said.
Touchette says the community effort is crucial to keep things running and every little bit helps.
BCS Habitat for Humanity serves families in Bryan and College Station who earn between 35-80% of the median income and are in need of quality affordable housing.
Leaders with Habitat for Humanity say if you want to help, you can donate money or time.
They also say spreading awareness of the housing crisis and advocating for the organization is a huge help.
The Faith in Action Pumpkin Patch is located next to the Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan at 2301 E 29th St. The dates are Monday September 28th through October 31st with hours, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday thru Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays.
The Aggie Habitat Pumpkin Patch is located on Covenant Presbyterian Church’s grounds in College Station at 220 Rock Prairie road. The dates are Monday September 28th through October 31st, with hours of 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.