HfHMC Breaks Ground on Old Hockley Place Neighborhood

**Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County Breaks Ground on Landmark 60-Home “Old Hockley Place” Neighborhood**

**Montgomery, TX – November 16, 2024** – Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County (HfHMC) marked a pivotal moment for affordable housing in the region, officially breaking ground on “Old Hockley Place,” a new 60-home community, during a celebratory ceremony held on Friday, November 15, 2024. This expansive development is strategically located just west of FM 1488, near the intersection of Keenan Cut Off Road and Old Hockley Road in Montgomery, Texas.

The “Old Hockley Place” project represents HfHMC’s most ambitious neighborhood undertaking to date. Situated on a 23-acre plot of land acquired by the organization in July 2024, the community will eventually feature 60 new homes, complemented by a dedicated neighborhood park and a community center designed to foster connection and enhance resident quality of life. The initial phase of construction will focus on building 20 homes, with an anticipated completion by winter 2025. While the first phase has a clear timeline, the complete build-out of all 60 homes is expected to span several years, reflecting a long-term commitment to addressing the critical housing needs of a rapidly growing Montgomery County.

This landmark development coincides with HfHMC’s 35th anniversary, highlighting decades of dedicated service to the community. Over its history, the organization has successfully constructed 213 homes across Montgomery County, making “Old Hockley Place” its 14th neighborhood development.

“Old Hockley Place represents a monumental step forward in our mission to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing for families in Montgomery County,” stated Vicki Johnson, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County. “As our county continues its rapid growth, the demand for affordable homeownership opportunities has never been greater. This community will not only provide stable homes but also a foundation for families to thrive for generations to come.”

The Habitat for Humanity model empowers families through a unique partnership. Prospective homeowners contribute 300 hours of “sweat equity” by working on their own homes and the homes of their future neighbors, participate in comprehensive financial literacy courses, and ultimately purchase their homes with a 0% interest mortgage. HfHMC sells these homes at no profit, ensuring long-term affordability and stability for homeowners.

“The model of Habitat for Humanity empowers families not just with a house, but with the tools and knowledge to achieve lasting financial stability and build equity,” Johnson added. “This partnership-driven approach, from our dedicated volunteers and generous donors to the future homeowners themselves, is what makes these communities truly special and sustainable.”

Montgomery County Commissioner Jim Cooper for Precinct 2, whose precinct encompasses the Old Hockley area, lauded HfHMC’s ongoing efforts. “We are incredibly grateful for the tireless work of Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County,” Commissioner Cooper commented. “Their commitment to creating strong, self-sufficient neighborhoods like Old Hockley Place is invaluable as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of our county’s significant population boom. This project directly addresses a critical need and strengthens the fabric of our community by providing stable, affordable options for families.”

The area west of FM 1488, particularly near Keenan Cut Off Road, has experienced considerable development and population growth in recent years, making the provision of accessible and affordable housing crucial for maintaining a diverse and thriving community.

In addition to Old Hockley Place, HfHMC is also actively building 12 homes in “The Villas at Grangerland,” another new development situated in Conroe, further demonstrating their widespread and continuous impact across the county.

HfHMC relies heavily on community support through volunteers, donations, and partnerships to achieve its mission. Individuals and organizations interested in contributing to the construction of homes at Old Hockley Place or other vital projects are encouraged to visit their website at hfh-mc.org for more information on how to get involved.

The groundbreaking ceremony concluded with a shared vision of a vibrant new community taking root, offering hope, stability, and the dream of homeownership to 60 Montgomery County families in the years to come.