Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County celebrates new community with Marble Creek Foundation Ceremony

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Since 1989, Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County has made homeownership a reality for nearly 200 hard-working families. Habitat MTCX’s unique homeownership program offers a hand-up, not a hand-out, to local homebuyers who are otherwise priced out of the traditional housing market.

Already, the organization has substantially improved the lives of 129 new homeowners in its Cedar Creek neighborhood in Conroe. The applicants to the organization’s housing program are approved based on three criteria: the need for better, safer, more affordable housing; the ability to pay a mortgage; and the willingness to partner by completing ‘sweat equity’ service hours, attend financial and homeownership education, and pay upfront closing costs. After completing sweat equity and purchasing their home, homeowners pay an affordable mortgage, which helps fund the construction of future homes.

The success of the Cedar Creek neighborhood in Conroe is a testament to the homeownership program. A survey conducted in 2022 by the University of Houston's School of Social Work measured the success of the neighborhood; families in the community reported substantial increases in their health, economic habits, neighborhood safety, and education opportunities for their children.

Already, Habitat MCTX has set its sight on its next site; Marble Creek, a future affordable, workforce housing development located in West Montgomery County. Plotted for over 200 homes on 81 acres of land donated by the Chimenti family, the Marble Creek neighborhood will incorporate walking trails, parks, and nature areas in the mix of amenities. Land development is progressing with home construction anticipated to commence in Summer 2026.

At a heartfelt celebration held outdoors on the site of the community’s first planned home, frigid winds and temperatures didn’t deter dozens of supporters from turning up for the Foundation Ceremony, where the people who made the community happen were recognized and celebrated.

At the ceremony, Habitat MCTX board president Michael Bradbury welcomed the assembly then turned it over to Pastor Cory Johnson of Magnolia Cowboy Church to bless the event. Habitat’s executive director VIcki Johnson and deputy director Erik Armstrong served as co-emcees, ensuring to thank and recognize all who helped create the new community. Emotionally moved, Johnson revealed that just that morning an anonymous donor had pledged a total of $500,000 to go to the community.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley was the keynote speaker who talked of his initial interaction with Habitat for Humanity and the importance of communities such as Cedar Creek and Marble Creek. ‘Elizabeth,’ a teacher and single mother who will receive the keys to the first home in the neighborhood, was introduced to the assembly. And to warm up the hearts (and stomachs) even more, renowned celebrity chef Austin Simmons, owner of Chef and Rancher, provided gourmet burgers to all as part of his own dedication to Habitat for Humanity. The festivities were closed by Father Jesse Garzia of St. Anthony of Padua Church.

Habitat MCTX is self-funded and solely reliant on donations; its Marble Creek Capital Campaign Committee is raising over $11 million to fund the initial community development phase of the Marble Creek neighborhood. The land development includes site clearing, utilities, water systems, drainage and detention, and streets.