Habitat breaks ground for Marble Ridge teacher housing

**Habitat for Humanity, Magnolia ISD Break Ground on Innovative Teacher Housing Community**

**MAGNOLIA, Texas** – Addressing a critical need for affordable housing for local educators, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County officially broke ground on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, for Marble Ridge, a new master-planned community specifically designed for teachers and staff of the Magnolia Independent School District. The 22-acre tract on FM 1486 in Magnolia marks a significant step towards tackling the region’s escalating housing costs.

The Marble Ridge initiative has been several years in the making, born from Magnolia ISD’s growing concern over retaining employees amidst a competitive and expensive housing market. The district identified a clear link between rising housing costs and challenges in attracting and keeping quality staff, prompting a collaborative search for a sustainable solution.

“This isn’t just about building houses; it’s about building a stronger community and investing in the people who shape our children’s futures,” said Vicki Johnson, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County. “Our partnership with Magnolia ISD allows us to create a path to homeownership for deserving educators, offering stability and allowing them to live affordably in the community they serve. We believe every teacher deserves a place to call home close to where they work.”

Habitat for Humanity will develop the land to construct homes specifically for qualifying Magnolia ISD teachers and other district employees. These homes will be offered through Habitat’s well-established program, which includes zero-interest mortgages and the fundamental requirement of “sweat equity.” Homeowners contribute hundreds of hours of labor to building their own homes or those of their neighbors, fostering a sense of ownership and community from the ground up.

Magnolia ISD is a pivotal partner in this venture, demonstrating its commitment with a $1 million contribution to support the project. This significant investment underscores the district’s proactive approach to employee well-being and retention.

“Our teachers and staff are the backbone of our district, and their ability to live within the community they serve is vital for their well-being and for the vibrancy of our schools,” stated Dr. Todd Stephens, Superintendent of Magnolia ISD. “The Marble Ridge community is a tangible solution to a pervasive problem, ensuring that our valued educators can afford to put down roots here. We are immensely proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity on this groundbreaking project, which will undoubtedly enhance teacher retention and overall stability for Magnolia ISD.”

The first phase of development for Marble Ridge is projected to include approximately 25 homes, with the ambitious long-term vision for the community potentially expanding to accommodate up to 80 houses, contingent on ongoing funding and future phases. Construction on the first homes is anticipated to begin later this year, with initial move-ins potentially within 18-24 months, depending on volunteer availability and material timelines.

The project is a direct response to a broader trend of housing affordability challenges across the Greater Houston area and Montgomery County, which often disproportionately affects essential public service workers like teachers, first responders, and healthcare professionals. By providing accessible homeownership opportunities, Marble Ridge aims to create a sustainable model for supporting public sector employees.

Community members, local businesses, and volunteers interested in supporting the Marble Ridge development through donations or by offering their time and skills are encouraged to visit the Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County website at [https://habitatmoco.org](https://habitatmoco.org) or contact their offices directly. Updates on the project will also be available through Magnolia ISD channels at [https://www.magnoliaisd.org](https://www.magnoliaisd.org).

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