Shonbray, single mother of six children, has always felt like the odds were against her. In May 2013, her life changed forever: an EF5 tornado, the strongest category of tornadoes measured, ravaged through her hometown of Moore, OK. According to CNN, "the tornado spanned 1.3 miles, carving a 17-mile path of destruction," and "the storm's winds topped 200 mph," ranking among some of the strongest storms ever to strike the United States.

The destruction from the storm caused Shonbray to be trapped under a building for 3 hours and lose mobility in one arm. With the help of physical therapy and her young children's support and care, she eventually recovered from this tragedy. She then left everything behind to bring her family to Denton, TX, where the family of seven rented a one-bedroom apartment.

Over the last 9 years, Shonbray was determined to put herself through college and even worked two jobs at one time to make ends meet. Her motivation was making sure her children didn't miss out on the enjoyment of life due to her being a single parent, especially after all they'd been through. She is now enrolled in nursing at NCTC and has worked at an electrophysiologist's office here in Denton for over three years. Shonbray has worked hard to overcome life's challenges and to be where she is today.

With a little help, we all have the potential to stand on our own. Here at Habitat, we help people reach the potential that is and has always been within them by providing access, tools, and opportunity. Soon, Shonbray will be able to provide a foundation of strength, stability, and independence for her family through the building of her very own Habitat home.

Shonbray Johnson recently completed the 300+ required "sweat equity" hours on her home. We plan to dedicate this home in February, and we hope you will join us to celebrate how far this family has come in life. More details to come!

Habitat homes are well-constructed, high-quality, energy-efficient homes with low utility bills and brand new appliances. We could not build these beautiful, affordable homes without the help of our in-kind partners! Thank you to the following partners for donating their services and materials to our 107th home and believing in the mission of Habitat:

Congratulations to Elia and Jose Corona for paying off their Habitat home! As some of you may remember, the Corona family helped rehab this home alongside many volunteers at 802 Bailey Street in Denton back in 2012. The home was fully rehabbed and dedicated to the Corona family in January 2013, meaning they paid off the mortgage note in exactly 10 years! We are continually amazed by and honored to work with encouraging families like this one. And thanks to YOUR support, we are able to revitalize our local neighborhoods at the same time.

Our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live isn't something we simply long for. We build toward it every day. In case you missed it, we recently released our 2022 Annual Report! Learn what Habitat for Humanity of Denton County was able to accomplish last fiscal year and how we're moving toward the future - all thanks to your support.

Our ReStore is stocked full of great stuff at great prices to kick off the new year! In particular, a large shipment of brand new home décor, donated by At Home, has been priced and put out on the sales floor. Also happening right now: brand new flooring is on sale for just $35 per box! Visit the ReStore this week to find just what you're needing for your home.

The ReStore's hours are Tuesday - Saturday from 8:30am-5:00pm at 1805 Cornell Lane in Denton.

On Monday, January 16, our nation will observe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which provides all of us with an opportunity to honor Dr. King's legacy by finding ways to revitalize our hope through action. Dr. King believed in a Beloved Community of justice, equal opportunity and love of fellow human beings. You can join the pledge to help build the Beloved Community and work together as neighbors side by side to create strength, stability and self-reliance for all.

Thank you to our volunteers of all backgrounds who come together in common cause to help break down barriers and generate equity, respect and lasting change.

Our 107th home is nearing completion, which means it is almost time to dedicate this home to the Johnson family! We hope you will join us next month for the Dedication Ceremony. More details to come!

The majority of our funds are raised by local individuals and local organizations, so we are relying on YOUR continued support to carry us forward. Would you consider making a gift to the Habitat Village today?

Home is where family comes together. Safe, decent, and affordable homes play a critical role in helping families create a new cycle filled with possibilities and progress. Learn how you can make a difference by donating your old car.

In almost every grocery store in Denton County, shoppers can swipe a store card to save a little money. What most people don’t know is that you can add Habitat for Humanity of Denton County to your card and a percentage of your purchase goes directly to help build houses. It’s easy, it’s free, and it helps families in need live in decent homes.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to sign up for these programs. Together, our everyday purchases will add up to help us eliminate poverty housing.