habitat for humanity
director travel to mexico

Scott Barr, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Miami and Shelby Counties had the opportunity to participate in a Tithe Trip with Habitat for Humanity Mexico (HFHM) in late January. During this mission trip, Scott had an educational and cultural experience the first two days including learning the business model, clients, and culture. Scott was joined by nine other Habitat leaders, staff and board members from across the United States. The team was chaired by Patrick Ettampola, Major Gift Officer with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). Vania Monterrubio, Resource Development and Communication Director was the host representative for HFHM.

Scott was afforded the opportunity to tour historical churches and landmarks in both Mexico City and the host city of Tlaxcala, Mexico. The group toured completed Habitat homes in Tlaxcala and met the partner families. The mission group completed two days of foundation prep on a new home with HFHM and their construction partners. This trip was partially funded by a grant through Habitat for Humanity Houston, TX. Barr said of his trip, “This was an inspirational and humbling experience to work with other Habitat colleagues in Mexico and learn and see the great impact HFHM is having serving their clients. Our team bonded and became a close family for the week. The opportunity for professional development is unmeasurable when you get to network and learn from so many while also serving a great project and deserving family. We are a global organization making great impact across the world.”

About Habitat for Humanity of Miami and Shelby Counties

Habitat for Humanity of Miami and Shelby Counites has been impacting the community positively since 1992. They completed a new home in Piqua in 2024 and are planning to build two homes in the fall of 2025. In addition, the organization operates a critical home repair program for home owners with a median household income of 30% to 80%. The organization is partnering with many local organizations to bring a Rock the Block neighborhood revitalization program to Troy, OH the week of May 5. They operate a ReStore in Troy, OH and are opening a new ReStore in Sidney, OH late Spring. Today they use the main office workshop referred to as the HAC to build playhouses, picnic tables, and park benches from corporate sponsorship to support construction programming. All built projects are donated in the community.

Corporate volunteer opportunities exist across three different business units. Volunteer groups can work with dedicated volunteer leads in the Habitat Activity Center building sponsored playhouses, benches, and tables; they can work in the community on home repairs or home builds under the guidance of a Construction Manager; or they can assist staff in the Troy ReStore.

Putting Faith into Action

Habitat’s ministry is based on the conviction that to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, we must love and care for one another. Our love must not be words only— it must be true love, which shows itself in action. Habitat provides an opportunity for people to put their faith and love into action. We bring diverse groups of people together to make affordable housing and better communities a reality for everyone.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Miami and Shelby Counties or to volunteer, please contact Scott Barr (sbarr@hfhmco.org) or Maureen O’Keefe (mokeefe@hfhmco.org) at 937-332-3763. Companies or individuals interested in donating to support the home build program can contact Barr directly.