Our New Facility

The Adoption

Christian Helping Hands was blessed, again! In September 2000, Hita Dickson presented a grant-like application to The Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Houston to be “adopted” as their commercial charitable project for 2001-2002. On December 21, 2000, Mr. Steve Parks, Chairman of ABC/GH, contacted Hita at home to say they loved the idea. The ABC/GH wanted a project that would benefit a community, not just a household. Our request was their perfect project.

The following twelve months was work! Plans had to be drawn; permits had to be secured; a building code had to be altered and other trades people lined up in time for construction. Meetings, meetings and more meetings were held throughout the year. At last, in February of 2002, ground breaking occurred. The adoption and partnership with ABC/GH was GREAT! Check them out: www.abc.org/houston

The Ground Breaking

A sweetheart of a day was February 14^th, 2002. Ground breaking commenced at 10 a.m. at the new site, 3402 Swensen Drive, Pearland, Texas. Approximately 130 attended, including city council members, clergy, the ABC/GH members and staff, volunteers, politicians from the tri-county area and chamber members from Pearland and Friendswood. The Honorable Mayor Tom Reid made a proclamation to the crowd proclaiming February 14, 2002 as “Christian Helping Hands’ Ground Breaking Day.”

Following the ceremony, everyone was invited to travel to Golfcrest Country Club for a continental breakfast and a chance to view the construction draws, building materials, paint and floor samples. It was indeed, a sweetheart of a day! To view photos of the event, VISIT our Photo Gallery.

The Construction

Actual groundbreaking occurred on March 23, 2002. This was the day the earth really began to move. We ask that you review the list of The Contributing Contractors. Their collective efforts reduced the actual out-of-pocket expense of this new facility by fifty percent or better. Located in the new facility is a scrapbook of ALL the construction pictures. We welcome your visit and view the moments.

The construction was completed on schedule, less than six months. The City of Pearland issued our “Occupancy Permit” on September 12, 2002. Moving began that day!! Please VISIT our Photo Gallery to view the stages of construction.

The Dedication and Ribbon Cutting

October 23, 2002 was perhaps the rainiest day of the year. However, the rain did not deter the 150+ people who came to Christian Helping Hands Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Celebration. Their presence made this celebration special to all whom have worked so hard on the replacement facility. The contributions were many; the blessings were vast! The Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Houston made such significant contribution; the new facility is mortgage free!

The Board of Directors and volunteers came up with the biggest surprise for Hita Dickson, Co-founder and President 2000-2002. There was a brief interruption of the scheduled dedication ceremony to make additional building dedication. The Board and volunteers officially name the facility “The Hita Dickson Building.” Hita was very concerned, as she thought only deceased people had building named after them. She gladly accepted this honor. Please VISIT OUR Photo Gallery to share the events from October 23, 2002.

The Walls of Crosses

The volunteers wanted to decorate the building with wallpaper and trims, but the expense was too great for that consideration. Another idea was passed around. “Lets’ decorate with crosses.” The idea stuck!

Crosses have come from craft shows, garage sales or off other walls. One cross came from Peru, another from Alaska. One cross came off a man’s belt. One is made from the ribbon around a gift containing four crosses. The Walls of Crosses project is an ongoing. If you have a cross, please bring it to Christian Helping Hands. We’ll let you find a spot and hang it. The collection is beautiful. Thank you all!!