Our History
Habitat for Humanity Kerr County's History
Habitat for Humanity Kerr County was established in 1989 by founders, Bill Blackburn, Burley Burleson and Maud Jennings. With the support of community members and a grant by the Community Trust, Habitat Kerr County purchased a lot and volunteers built a home for a local family. The Zamora family became the first Habitat Kerr County family in 1990. The mission of Habitat for Humanity is “seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.” The vision of Habitat for Humanity is “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”
At Habitat for Humanity, we build. We build because we believe that everyone, should have a healthy, affordable place to call home. With an affordable home and financial stability, families have resources to spend on food, medicine, child care, education and other essentials. Habitat for Humanity follows a unique empowerment model dedicated to offering low-income, hardworking families have the chance to own an attainable home. This involves managing construction costs and providing 0% mortgages. Stable and affordable housing not only offers Habitat homeowners financial security but also reduces family stress levels.
Bumper Sticker Sparks Community Action:
Kerr County Unites to Build Attainable Homes
It all started with a bumper sticker. In 1987, Bill Blackburn, the pastor of Trinity Baptist Church at the time, was walking through the grocery store parking lot when he saw a Habitat for Humanity bumper sticker on a truck. He then left a note that said “I’m interested in Habitat; give me a call.” Turned out, the truck belonged to Francis Burleson, the wife of ‘Burly’ Burleson and that was the beginning of it all. The two then recruited the help of Maud Jennings, a local school teacher, to help build homes for hard working families.
The first organizational meeting for the soon to be Habitat for Humanity Kerr County affiliate was held on November, 21, 1988 by ‘Burly’ Burleson and Bill Blackburn. Twenty Five community members attended that meeting including Maud Jennings. Skip ahead to September of 1989, the first lot was purchased through fundraising and in 1990 the very first home was dedicated with the help of community volunteers.
