Desert Palms Presbyterian Church, as a “Partner in Mission,” has been building homes with Habitat for Humanity in the West Valley since 2002. Our church fully sponsored two homes for Habitat families, the first was completed in 2002, and the second in 2003. Along with the financial support, many of our members hammered and nailed, tiled the roofs, and painted inside and out. Great work!
The West Valley Presbyterian Coalition began in 2003, spearheaded by Laura Brandt and Don Swenson along with the support from other members of our church. Our Pat Johnson was selected as the first chair of the group.
The current collation members are Faith Presbyterian, Sun City; First Presbyterian, Sun City; Northminster Presbyterian, Phoenix; Bethany Presbyterian, Phoenix; Heritage Presbyterian, Glendale; First Presbyterian, Peoria, and Desert Palms.
The Coalition has sponsored eight homes since formation in 2003 (making a total of ten homes that Desert Palms has helped build). That’s eight families with 31 children who now have new homes in safe neighborhoods. Many of the children have their own bedrooms for the very first time. This year, the Coalition is co-sponsor for a home in Glendale for another family of six to be complete this coming May. The wall-raising and blessing of the new home was held February 11.
Besides offering interest free mortgages to these families, Habitat offers classes for the new homeowners in financial planning, budgeting, and home maintenance.