Houston, TX (February 25, 2010)... A new residence for single mothers and their children sponsored by Gracewood was dedicated in the Spring Branch area of Houston in December.

The new facility will be known as the McGuyer-HomeAid House in recognition of the support provided by McGuyer Homebuilders, Inc., and HomeAid Houston, the nonprofit arm of the Greater Houston Builders Association.

McGuyer was the lead builder on the 6,828 square foot home, which provides housing for five mothers and their children. The dedication was attended by local elected officials, social service representatives, and the families who will reside in the home will be in attendance, as well as dozens of vendors who donated materials, labor and services to complete the home.

One of the most touching moments at the dedication came when Kimberly Wallace, a Gracewood resident, spoke of how life-changing it has been for her.

"Gracewood has been my answered prayer, the color back in my rainbow," she said. "The broken pieces of my dream have been restored. I love you all for your efforts in making this possible."

The 14-bed Gracewood facility, located at 1617 Elmview Dr., was completely furnished with donated furniture and appliance by a number of companies in Houston, all designed to create a warm, nurturing environment that will help foster the growth and healing of families in transition.

Gracewood, part of Children at Heart Ministries, provides housing for mothers and their children who need a safe haven from crisis situations. Gracewood also works with these mothers to obtain educations, jobs, counseling and a helping hand.

Since 2003, HomeAid Houston, the charitable arm of the Greater Houston Builders Association has joined forces with GHBA members to provide transitional housing for homeless men, women and children. To date, the organization has added 366 beds and caring for 4200 adults and children.

MHI has been building homes in Texas since 1988. The company has over 35,000 customers in five major cities, San Antonio, Houston, Austin, Dallas, and Ft. Worth. MHI has received 8 separate awards of excellence within the industry including PRISM, Best of Year, HAB, MAX, McSAM and Pinnacle.

Joining in the ribbon cutting for the new McGuyer/HomeAid House on the Gracewood Elmview campus were, left to right, HomeAid Executive Director Bette Moser, Gracewood Executive Director Debbie Rippstein, Don Cramer, VP/COO of the Children At Heart Foundation, Children At Heart Ministries President Jerry T. Bradley, MHI Regional President James Miller, HomeAid Vice President Chris Denison, Jerry Goree of J. Lloyd Interiors, Gracewood President Don Forrester, Toy Wood, CEO of the Greater Houston Builders Association, Lisa Clark, Past President of the Greater Houston Builders Association, HomeAid Board member Beth Avalos, and Leslie Searle, Houston Director of Development for the Children At Heart Foundation.