This month, Charlie Simms, of Charles Simms Development, confirmed his ongoing commitment to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton when he presented Executive Director Diane Graham with a check for $5,000 – $100 for every home his company sold in 2014! That promise continues in 2015!

Dayton Habitat has a special place in Charlie’s heart. His parents, Charles and Ann, have participated in over a dozen Habitat builds here in Dayton and in Florida. Using his expertise and connections as a builder, Charles successfully ran several builds personally. Ann was responsible for bringing the Women Build concept to Dayton. Women Build empowers women to do all aspects of constructing a Habitat home, including operation of heavy equipment.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton serves as a hand up, not a hand out, for qualified low income families. Families apply to earn a home of their own. Once accepted into the program, their “Partner Families” work alongside their many dedicated volunteers to build the family’s house. Habitat partner families come from all walks of life and have the same goal of owning a healthy, energy-efficient, affordable home in a safe neighborhood. The families put in 275 to 550 hours of “sweat equity” and take approximately 40 hours of classes to prepare them to be successful homeowners. Partner families make a down payment toward the purchase of their home, which is then sold to them through an affordable, interest-free mortgage held by Dayton Habitat for Humanity. Mortgage payments are put into a revolving fund to build future homes.

Other funding sources include revenue from the ReStore, corporate and church sponsorships, individual donations, government and foundation grants, and fundraising events.

This year, Charlie hopes that other builders and Realtors, as well as community members, will join him in advancing Habitat of Dayton’s goal to provide safe and affordable housing for everyone in our community. Habitat hopes to help 15 families reverse the cycle of poverty through home ownership. They are already well on their way with three build sites initiated – two in Dayton and one in Fairborn!

Charlie Simms presents $5000 check to Diane Graham, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton

Six or seven years ago Habitat made a decision to build “greener” homes. They now use high efficiency furnaces, air conditioning units, and lighting, as well as increased insulation and air filtration. It all adds up to a consistent HERS Rating of 60 to 65 – which translates to a 35% to 40% more efficient home than most other new homes built today. Most importantly, it translates to lower utility bills for partner families.

Here at Simms we share the vision and value of building energy efficient homes to benefit our homeowners. Check our Website for our Green Building Practices and call one of our sales representatives listed below to find out more about living in a brand new townhome or patio home in one of our five beautiful communities!

Sharon Hansford
Patterson Place in Downtown Dayton
Rubicon Square near Miami Valley Hospital and the University of Dayton
937-772-1365

Stephanie Dietz
Twin Lakes West in Washington Township
Parkside Row in Springboro
937-436-2913

Bronwyn Graham-Duteil
The Cottages at Yankee Trace in Centerville
937-350-5270