House that Ching Built completed
Last year, Houston Dynamo forward Brian Ching set a goal to raise $75,000 in
order to build a green-upgraded home for a Houston family in need. Through a
partnership with Houston Habitat for Humanity and with the support of Dynamo
Charities, sponsors, and his teammates, Ching achieved his goal and took part in
a formal dedication today at the site of the new home for Theresa Urbano and her
two young children.
“I would just like
to thank everyone who has contributed to this project,” Ching said. “It has been
a true community effort and I am so happy for the Urbano family to finally have
a place to call home. Theresa has worked hard for this house and I could not be
happier for her and her family.”
To watch video from Friday's ceremony, click here or see below:
This Houston
Habitat green-upgraded home, located in northeast Houston in the Milby Park subdivision, is the result of a
partnership that includes: KHOU, BMC Software, Turner Construction, CompuTech,
Avalon Wine, MLS W.O.R.K.S, Wasserman Media Group, and Dynamo
Charities.
Ching’s desire to
participate in this project stemmed from a public service announcement he shot
for Houston Habitat for Humanity two years ago. Ching was interested in the work
Houston Habitat does in the community and was impressed with the effort the
organization puts into finding appropriate families for each home. To help raise
money for the project, Ching hosted a post-game party following the 2010 MLS
All-Star Game, with proceeds from the door charge going directly to the
build.
PHOTOS: Ching, teammates work on the house last October
The project is a
green-upgraded home, which will be the third of its kind built by Houston
Habitat. Features of the home include a 10-panel solar system for electricity
generation, a solar-powered water heater, non-VOC paint, and Forest Stewardship
Council-approved recycled cabinetry in both the kitchen and bathrooms. In
addition to the green aspect of the house, one room of the house will be
Dynamo-themed, to show the club’s commitment to the cause. The room will feature
an orange wall, Dynamo curtains and bedspreads, and a Brian Ching
poster.
”We are proud of
Houston’s
dedication to end poverty housing,” said Algenita Scott Davis, Houston Habitat
Executive Director. “When a committed housing advocate like Brian Ching steps up
to build not only an affordable house, but one that is also green, we know that
our mission is in-line with Houston’s needs and
objectives.”
About the Houston
Dynamo
The
Houston Dynamo are a Major League Soccer club that has won two MLS Cup
championships in its first five seasons and represented the United States in
international competition four consecutive years from 2007-10. For more
information, log on to www.HoustonDynamo.com or call (713)
276-7500.
About Dynamo
Charities
Dynamo Charities is
a 501(c)(3) organization and the charitable arm of the Houston Dynamo. It
believes in using the power of the Dynamo and the sport of soccer to support the
Houston
community. For more information, log on to HoustonDynamo.com/Charities or call
(713) 276-7574.
About Houston Habitat for
Humanity
Since 1987, Houston Habitat for Humanity, along with
thousands of sponsors and volunteers, has built more than 830 affordable homes
for purchase by hard-working, low-income Houstonians. Qualified Houston Habitat
homebuyers agree to a no-interest mortgage and contribute 300 hours of "sweat
equity" in lieu of a down payment. Partner families are also provided with
classes on money management and home maintenance. More information about
Houston Habitat and its “ReStore” discounted building supply store is available
online at www.houstonhabitat.org or by calling
713-671-9993.
-Forever
Orange-
