Habitat For Humanity Service Requests Up

By Chris Wright, News On 6

UNDATED -- The slumping economy means more people are turning to charities for assistance.

The Tulsa chapter of Habitat for Humanity says it's seeing an increase in requests for homes, and some local developers are chipping in to help the charity meet that demand.

Habitat says it is already having one of its busiest falls ever, and it expects spring to be even busier.

Supporters of Habitat for Humanity braved the dreary weather Sunday for a fundraiser. The event included a jumping castle for kids, plenty of barbeque and even a visit from the Broken Arrow Fire Department.

The fundraiser was put together by Ken Mark Homes, a local developer. The company recently finished a development nearby, and besides building its own homes, says it wanted to give back to the less fortunate.

"I guess just knowing that we're getting other people into homes that need it," said Leslie Lowry of Ken Mark Homes.

Paul Kent with Habitat says the charity always welcomes contributions.

"This is a great new friendship, partnership.  We are looking for homebuilders who want to help habitat," said Kent.

That's because Habitat expects to be busy over the next year. It has already built 11 homes this fall, and expects to construct 13 to 15 more homes in the spring, so it appreciates the assistance.

"To have them build with us, donate to us, means they believe in your mission, likewise. We're not a competitor; we're doing something jointly to help families," said Kent.

And if the economy continues to head south, Kent says more families may turn to Habitat for help, so its fund-raising efforts are more important now than ever.

"This is a great opportunity to continue to help families even though the economy looks a little darker, a little bleaker for some," said Kent.