The Murray-Calloway County Habitat for Humanity has been helping local families for almost three decades.   As of February 2016, the MCC chapter of HFH has built 14 homes locally, bringing to fruition the goals of the founders of the Murray-Calloway County organization.

In November 1988, two local ministers – Dr. David Roos of the First Christian Church, and Rev. Nowell Bingham of the First United Methodist Church – helped guide a meeting of concerned individuals to gather information and discuss the possibility of creating a local Habitat chapter.   By the end of the month, the organization was officially named and had selected its first board of directors.

“When you give to Habitat you are investing in an unlimited future,” Roos stated at the dedication of one Habitat for Humanity home.   He called donations to the program “not so much charity as capital and instead of a handout, a hand up.  This is the better way in the long run for us all!”

The MCC Habitat for Humanity chapter still thrives today, as it continues to build housing for local families.   While various grants have been awarded over the years, the organization still conducts fund-raisers help to finance construction projects, while donations of materials, money and time continue to provide the bulk of resources for the Murray-Calloway County chapter.   Recent construction efforts have focused in the Chantilly Place Subdivision, located on the south side of Murray. 

“If a rich person sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against his brother, how can he claim that he loves God?  My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love which shows itself in action.” (1 John 3:17-18)