Last year, Houston Dynamo forward Brian Ching set a goal to raise $75,000 in order to build a green-upgraded home for a Houston family in need. Through a partnership with Houston Habitat for Humanity and with the support of Dynamo Charities, sponsors, and his teammates, Ching achieved his goal and took part in a formal dedication today at the site of the new home for Theresa Urbano and her two young children.
“I would just like to thank everyone who has contributed to this project,” Ching said. “It has been a true community effort and I am so happy for the Urbano family to finally have a place to call home. Theresa has worked hard for this house and I could not be happier for her and her family.”
To watch video from Friday's ceremony, click here or see below:
This Houston Habitat green-upgraded home, located in northeast Houston in the Milby Park subdivision, is the result of a partnership that includes: KHOU, BMC Software, Turner Construction, CompuTech, Avalon Wine, MLS W.O.R.K.S, Wasserman Media Group, and Dynamo Charities.
Ching’s desire to participate in this project stemmed from a public service announcement he shot for Houston Habitat for Humanity two years ago. Ching was interested in the work Houston Habitat does in the community and was impressed with the effort the organization puts into finding appropriate families for each home. To help raise money for the project, Ching hosted a post-game party following the 2010 MLS All-Star Game, with proceeds from the door charge going directly to the build.
PHOTOS: Ching, teammates work on the house last October
The project is a green-upgraded home, which will be the third of its kind built by Houston Habitat. Features of the home include a 10-panel solar system for electricity generation, a solar-powered water heater, non-VOC paint, and Forest Stewardship Council-approved recycled cabinetry in both the kitchen and bathrooms. In addition to the green aspect of the house, one room of the house will be Dynamo-themed, to show the club’s commitment to the cause. The room will feature an orange wall, Dynamo curtains and bedspreads, and a Brian Ching poster.
”We are proud of Houston’s dedication to end poverty housing,” said Algenita Scott Davis, Houston Habitat Executive Director. “When a committed housing advocate like Brian Ching steps up to build not only an affordable house, but one that is also green, we know that our mission is in-line with Houston’s needs and objectives.”
About the Houston Dynamo
The Houston Dynamo are a Major League Soccer club that has won two MLS Cup championships in its first five seasons and represented the United States in international competition four consecutive years from 2007-10. For more information, log on to www.HoustonDynamo.com or call (713) 276-7500.
About Dynamo Charities
Dynamo Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization and the charitable arm of the Houston Dynamo. It believes in using the power of the Dynamo and the sport of soccer to support the Houston community. For more information, log on to HoustonDynamo.com/Charities or call (713) 276-7574.
About Houston Habitat for Humanity
Since 1987, Houston Habitat for Humanity, along with thousands of sponsors and volunteers, has built more than 830 affordable homes for purchase by hard-working, low-income Houstonians. Qualified Houston Habitat homebuyers agree to a no-interest mortgage and contribute 300 hours of "sweat equity" in lieu of a down payment. Partner families are also provided with classes on money management and home maintenance. More information about Houston Habitat and its “ReStore” discounted building supply store is available online at www.houstonhabitat.org or by calling 713-671-9993.
-Forever Orange-
