St. Anthony of Padua donates $105,000, mobilizes 70 volunteers for Habitat for Humanity's Marble Creek Project

THE WOODLANDS, TX – St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church celebrated a major milestone in its partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, TX (Habitat MCTX) on June 13, presenting a $105,000 check toward its $125,000 fundraising goal and bringing together 70 volunteers for an on-site volunteer day at the church, supporting the future Marble Creek community in Magnolia.

During the event, volunteers worked on constructing storage sheds that will later be placed in the backyards of future homes in Marble Creek, a planned mixed-income neighborhood designed to expand affordable homeownership opportunities for more than 200 families.

The check presentation marked continued progress toward St. Anthony of Padua’s fundraising goal of $125,000, which helps support the construction of a Habitat home in Marble Creek. Parish leaders, including Kate Mims, Director of Parish Administration, shared the church’s ongoing commitment to walking alongside Habitat in its mission to provide safe, stable housing for local families. Deacon Mitch Vicknair gave a “blessing of the sheds” and offered a prayer for Marble Creek and the future homeowners.

“St. Anthony of Padua continues to be a faithful and generous partner in this work,” said Vicki Johnson, Executive Director of Habitat MCTX. “Their support is not only helping make homes possible, it is helping open the door to stability and opportunity for families in our community. Together, we build more than houses. We build hope, dignity, and a stronger future for generations to come.”

Marble Creek is located on 81 acres generously donated by Dr. Brian and Mrs. Shirelle Chimenti and will become Habitat MCTX’s largest neighborhood development to date. Shirelle is also a St. Anthony of Padua parishioner and shared her vision and love for Marble Creek with the 70 Church volunteers present at the June 13 on-site volunteer day.

Construction in Marble Creek is set to begin this summer, with the neighborhood’s first four homes taking shape through Habitat’s Blitz Build initiative. LGI Homes has committed to building three homes and will be joined by Matt Powers Custom Homes & Renovations and Laura Powers Property Group, Compass RE TX LLC, which will complete a fourth home through the Blitz Build effort.

“Being part of this work has been deeply meaningful for our parish community,” said Franklin Marsan, Director of Outreach for St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. “Reaching $105,000 toward our total fundraising goal is a reflection of the generosity and faith of our parishioners. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside Habitat and to support the families who will one day call Marble Creek home.”

The build day highlighted the growing partnership between St. Anthony of Padua and Habitat MCTX, uniting parishioners and community partners in support of long-term housing solutions for local families.

As a nonprofit rooted in a long history of faith-based partnerships, Habitat MCTX brings people together to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities, and hope. Faith communities interested in learning more about Habitat MCTX or exploring ways to get involved can visit habitatmctx.org or watch for upcoming virtual “Faith in Action” information sessions, which will be announced on Habitat MCTX social media channels.

Those interested in learning more about Habitat MCTX’s Homeownership Program or supporting future efforts in Marble Creek, visit habitatmctx.org.