Posted on May 23, 2013 by Mike Means

Oklahoma sends out a big thanks to the various home builder associations for their generosity toward those affected by the storms in the towns of Shawnee and Moore.

tornado damage 2

Our industry is family.

The Oklahoma Home Builders Foundation was created to do the most good in the most direct way - helping families with children. The devastating tornados of the past few days have put thousands of families in need, and the Foundation was created to help.

damage 3
Oklahoma State Home Builders
Association vice president
Todd Booze provided these
photos from some areas
his company has developed.
Here, the devastation in
Moore.

100% of your tax-deductible gift will go directly to families where children are involved. If a home where children lived was damaged or destroyed by the recent tornados, that family can receive our help. All money will be earmarked for tornado damage anywhere in Oklahoma.

"Home builders know well what family is all about. We work with families daily, meeting one of their most basic needs: a home," said Jeff Click, OSHBA president.

"With the loss of so many families' homes in the recent storms in our state, it's no surprise that so many home builder associations around the country are seeking to contribute to the recovery efforts. NAHB is reflecting the spirit of family right back upon those who need it most right now."

For those in our area, if you know of people who need help, send us the names and we will get the donation to them directly.

"It's for the victims who have children, and the only requisite is they are recommended by a member builder or a friend who knows the builder member," said Terri Akers, Executive Director of the Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association.

"There is no paperwork, no red tape, no application. Checks are written. It's that simple. It shows Oklahoma Cares and wants to make it as easy as they can for the victims."

Associations in other states are contributing to the Foundation. The Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans and the Capital Region Builders Association of Baton Rouge know about disaster and they have sent checks.

The Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs remembers the help it got during last year's wildfires and has contributed to the Foundation. At presstime, a semi-truck loaded with goods was heading to Oklahoma from Colorado. The same with the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa.

The National Association of Home Builders has told its members about the Foundation and many are generously responding.

Mike Gilles, former president of Oklahoma State Home Builders Association and Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association, was instrumental in creating the Foundation in 1999, after the first wave of tornadoes hit Moore.

Thousands of dollars were given out that year and, since then, $50,000-$60,000 is given annually to various organizations that support the needs of children. The Children's Center in Bethany, the Infant Crisis Center, Ronald McDonald House in Oklahoma City, various fund-raising "houses" have been built and always, Christmas is provided for 50-60 children.

Over the years, $500,000-$600,000 has been given total.

There will still be a need for assistance that comes after the initial efforts are through, the effects of these storms will be felt for a long, long time. The Oklahoma Home Builders Foundation is a way to provide that assistance.

Mail your donation to Oklahoma Home Builders Foundation, P.O. Box 14005, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. If you have any questions, give Terri Akers a call at (405) 843-1508.

 

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