The home that Ms. Alexander and her children will someday live in is just one of more than a half dozen homes being built in Central Texas through the Fort Hood Area Habitat For Humanity Inc.
``It's a big ol' blessing from God,'' Alexander said. ``I'm still overwhelmed by it.''
The single mother has always wanted a place to call home, after living in state housing for several years.
A few months ago, she thought her dream might be coming true when she was approved for a new home. The problem was that the home's mortgage payments were going to be a staggering $700 a month - a price Alexander could not afford to pay.
``Then a friend of my mom's said I should apply for Habitat For Humanity,'' she said. ``I did apply and there was something added to my paperwork that said I didn't qualify. But I didn't give up.''
Alexander's persistence paid off and the blemish on her application was found and corrected, and she was on her way to fulfilling a lifelong dream. Her home could be completed by October, she said.
``My mom is 50 and she doesn't own her own home,'' she said. ``I couldn't go live with her because I wasn't on the lease. And that's really what I want my home to be - a place where my little ones to come to if they're ever in need.''
The purpose of building the homes is to provide an opportunity for home ownership for families that otherwise wouldn't have homes of their own, said Gene Bauer, executive director of the local chapter.
``We do that by bringing in volunteers from many different backgrounds, businesses, civic organizations, churches and individuals that have a desire to make a difference in their community,'' he said. ``And we use them as a labor force to build the homes.''
By using volunteer help, the organization is able to reduce the price of the home and sell it at an affordable rate. But that's not the only upside to building a Habitat home.
``Because we tend to work in depressed neighborhoods, (the homes) are a catalyst for change in those neighbor-hoods for surrounding homes to improve their conditions.''
Construction of the homes helps the city and county because the organization takes a property that was a drain on tax revenues and makes it a generator of tax revenue.
But, Bauer was quick to point out that Habitat For Humanity does not just give away homes.
``(Homeowners) must be willing to do `sweat equity,''' he said. ``They have to work hard on other people's houses and be able to pay us back.''
Every family selected to receive a home has to put in so many hours of service, or `sweat.' Alexander and her children worked a total of 350 hours before construction even began on her home. Construction is now under way and the home is expected to be finished sometime in October.
``Our philosophy is that we are willing to work hard to help those who are willing to work hard to help themselves and their families,'' Bauer said.
The organization bases these beliefs on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
``We're a Christian-based, non-profit organization,'' he said. ``We demonstrate the love of Jesus through all works. We're like missionaries that stay locally.''
While bringing their faith to the families they help, Habitat attempts to eliminate poverty housing.
``The need for affordable housing will always be there,'' Bauer said. ``It's the nature of the real estate climate.''
With funds from charitable individuals, churches, civic organizations and the city of Temple, Habitat for Humanity is able to provide homes to those in need and in record time.
``If we get 30 (volunteers) a day for 12 Saturdays, we can build a house in 12 days,'' he said. ``But it's hard to get that many volunteers every week. If we only get 10 volunteers on a work day, then it takes longer than 12 days to build a house.''
Bauer said anyone who wants to get involved with the Fort Hood Area Habitat For Humanity Inc. may call the Killeen office at 254-680-4007. Members of the organization will let people volunteer in areas they are comfortable with.
``When I would volunteer when I was younger, they would always say, `we need something done in this area. Would you please, please, please help us?''' he said. ``I didn't want to do that. That's why we identify what you like to do and then don't ask more than that.''
And volunteers can help without even picking up a hammer or paint brush.
``On the work site there's construction, but in the office there's grant writing, accounting, project coordinating, vehicle maintenance and tool and supply maintenance.''
The only requirement to being a Habitat volunteer is to be 16 years or older.
Alexander said she is grateful for all of those who give up their weekends to help build her dream home.
``They'll say, `we'll be back,' and most of them do come back,'' she said. ``I appreciate them and love them very much.''
She also credits her family, friends and church for encouraging her through the whole process.
``I tell my sisters in the church and at work that I just appreciate their prayers and concern,'' she said. ``They say, `I'm going to come out there sometime,' and I say, `don't worry about it. Whenever you can make it down there is fine, but if you never make it, I just appreciate your concern.'''
She encourages others to check out Habitat if they are struggling with housing issues.
``If they ever want a home and they want to work for one, then they should apply.''
