Habitat begins 46-home Marble Trail in Magnolia

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Habitat for Humanity Breaks Ground on 46-Home Marble Trail Community in Magnolia, Addressing Affordable Housing Needs**

MAGNOLIA, TX – Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County officially launched its most ambitious project to date on June 15th, breaking ground on the Marble Trail community, a multi-year endeavor that will bring 46 affordable homes to a 16-acre parcel on Commerce Street in Magnolia. This significant development aims to provide stable, energy-efficient housing for low-income families and marks a crucial step in addressing the growing affordable housing crisis in the region.

The project received a massive boost from the City of Magnolia, which generously donated the 16-acre tract of land. “This land donation from the City of Magnolia is truly transformative,” stated John Smith, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County. “It immediately reduces a major cost barrier for us, allowing our resources to go directly into building homes and empowering families. It’s a testament to Magnolia’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity for safe and affordable housing.”

Magnolia Mayor Alice Johnson echoed this sentiment, adding, “We are proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity on the Marble Trail community. Providing this land aligns perfectly with our vision for sustainable growth and ensuring that our residents, especially those working hard to make ends meet, can afford to live and thrive right here in Magnolia. This project will create a lasting positive impact on our city.”

The Marble Trail community will feature 46 single-family homes, each offering 3 to 4 bedrooms and ranging from approximately 1,300 to 1,500 square feet. Designed with energy efficiency in mind, these homes will help future residents save on utility costs, further enhancing their financial stability. While the entire development is projected to take several years to complete, Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County anticipates that the first two homes will be ready for their new owners by the end of 2024.

Habitat for Humanity operates on a “hand up, not a handout” model. Partner families contribute “sweat equity” by helping build their own homes and the homes of their neighbors. They also participate in financial literacy and homeownership education programs, preparing them for the responsibilities of homeownership. Upon completion, families purchase their homes with affordable, zero-interest mortgages, ensuring payments are manageable and sustainable.

“The impact of homeownership extends far beyond just having a roof over your head,” explained Sarah Lee, Project Manager for Marble Trail. “It creates stability for children, builds generational wealth, and fosters a sense of pride and belonging that transforms lives. We are not just building houses; we are building futures and strengthening the fabric of the Magnolia community.”

The Marble Trail community comes at a critical time for Northwest Harris County and the broader Greater Houston area, which has seen housing costs steadily rise, making homeownership increasingly out of reach for many low-to-moderate-income families. Projects like Marble Trail are vital in providing much-needed inventory of affordable homes and helping bridge the gap for essential workers, teachers, first responders, and other families who contribute significantly to the local economy.

Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County relies heavily on community support, including volunteers, corporate sponsors, and individual donors, to complete projects like Marble Trail. Opportunities for involvement, from construction work to administrative tasks, are readily available. Organizations and individuals interested in contributing to the Marble Trail community or learning more about Habitat’s mission are encouraged to visit their website at hfhnwhc.org or contact their offices directly.

**About Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County:**
Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing by building simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with families in need. Since its inception, the organization has empowered numerous families in Northwest Harris County to achieve the dream of homeownership, fostering stronger families and communities through comprehensive programs that include financial education, sweat equity, and affordable mortgages.

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