Wrapping Up 2025 with Ribbon Cuttings

HomeAid Houston Builder Captains & Board Members, John Devens (Camillo Companies) and Scott Black (David Weekley Homes & HAH Board President) stepped up to the plate to provide housing for all in 2025. Two extraordinary individuals who have brought a sense of commitment and humor to the HAH Board. They are showing the way for others to not just get involved but make a change for the community in a big way.

Agape Development, a local non-profit changing the face of the third ward neighborhood in Houston, needed Affordable Housing. Historically the area where drug dealers and gang affiliates tried to run the neighbors out, now, thanks to Agape, is lined with beautiful starter homes, centers that provide Work Force Development and ESL Classes. Residents who were working towards homeownership but needed effective and dignified affordable options in the area. Camillo Companies (Devens) didn’t hesitate to sign on as the Builder Captain for HomeAid Houston for this life-changing project. Building four duplexes provides eight families an opportunity to pay closer to 30% of AMI, keeping the rents affordable and providing an opportunity for those who truly need it. In addition to that, residents have access to Home Buyer Training programs through Agape, with the hope that they will stay and help grow the neighborhood. Camillo Companies was able to discount the project by over 60% of retail with so many wonderful GHBA vendors’ donations and discounts.

Mission of Yahweh in Spring Branch has been a long-term partner with HomeAid Houston, as we built the Mercy House in 2012. The agency needed an additional 16 units of transitional housing for homeless women and children as well as homeless senior women. David Weekley Homes (Black, HAH Board President) didn’t hesitate to come forward for this project. An almost three-year timeframe working through permitting, fire suppression and more, they never gave up. A labor of love partnering with LJA Engineering, Unicorn Service Solutions, Rivers Barden Architect and a host of amazing suppliers and GHBA members made this need an impactful reality.

HomeAid Houston, along with Autograph Homes (James Miller) stepped up to build a Respite Center Quadplex for Forgotten Angels. This wonderful agency serves adults with Intellectual Delays & Developments in the Pearland area. Groundbreaking in November 2025.

HomeAid Houston is so grateful to be able to serve our community in a meaningful way to provide dignified housing for those of our neighbors most in need. We were blessed to support eight new students from Angel Reach in attaining their Forklift & Rugged Terrain Forklift Certifications this year by partnering with Herc Rentals and thanks to the Sherwin Williams Foundation for its generous donation.

HomeAid Houston would not be able to accomplish this without the generosity of the Greater Houston Builders Association. With so many amazing members donating time, material and expertise to our community we can do anything! Thanks also goes to the Board of Directors and all of our supporters.

Carole Brady is the Executive Director of HomeAid Houston. She may be reached at cbrady@homeaidhouston.org

This column is featured in our November issue of Builder and Developer