Matt Curtis Real Estate, an Alabama-based firm, has reached a significant philanthropic milestone by completing the construction of its 150th home for a family in Central America. The latest home was built for a family in Guatemala through the company's long-standing "Love Thy Neighbor" initiative.
This achievement highlights the firm's unique business model, which directly links local property sales to its international housing charity work. The project was carried out in collaboration with the nonprofit organization Casas por Cristo.
Key Takeaways
- Matt Curtis Real Estate has now funded and built 150 homes for families in need across Central America.
- The most recent home was constructed for a family in Guatemala, marking a major milestone for the company's charitable program.
- The initiative, called "Love Thy Neighbor," is funded by the company's local real estate sales.
- For every 100 homes the firm sells in its local market, it finances the construction of one new home abroad.
A Milestone of Giving in Guatemala
The completion of the 150th home marks a significant point in the history of the company's outreach program. This particular project provided a new, secure home for a family in Guatemala, a country where housing insecurity affects a large portion of the population.
Company President Matt Curtis, who was present for the home's dedication, emphasized the personal significance of the program. He participated in the dedication ceremony, shared meals with local residents, and personally handed the keys to the family.
"We’re humbled to celebrate the completion of our 150th home for families in need. There’s no greater joy than seeing the smile on a family’s face when they receive the keys to their very first home. It’s a reminder that our work is about more than houses—it’s about changing lives and changing family trees."
The event was described as a moment of community celebration and worship, reflecting the collaborative spirit between the company, its partners, and the local community members.
How the "Love Thy Neighbor" Program Works
The "Love Thy Neighbor" initiative is a core component of the real estate firm's corporate identity and mission. The program operates on a straightforward and sustainable model that integrates charitable giving directly into its business operations.
A Direct Link Between Sales and Service
For every 100 residential properties sold by the Matt Curtis Real Estate team in its north Alabama market, the company fully funds the construction of one new home for a family living in poverty in Central America.
This model creates a continuous cycle of giving. As the company's local business grows, its capacity to contribute to international housing projects expands in direct proportion. This approach embeds philanthropy into the company's success, making it a predictable and ongoing commitment rather than a one-time donation.
The initiative is managed in partnership with Casas por Cristo, a nonprofit organization with extensive experience in building homes in Latin America. This partnership ensures that funds are used effectively and that construction projects meet the specific needs of the local communities.
The Impact of Stable Housing
Providing a family with a permanent, secure home has a profound and lasting impact that extends far beyond simple shelter. For many families in developing regions, a home is a foundational asset that can break the cycle of generational poverty.
A safe home provides numerous benefits:
- Health and Safety: A solid structure protects families from the elements, reduces exposure to disease, and provides a safe environment for children.
- Educational Stability: Children with a stable home are more likely to attend school regularly and have a quiet place to study, improving their educational outcomes.
- Economic Opportunity: Homeownership provides a sense of stability that allows parents to focus on securing consistent employment or starting small businesses.
According to Matt Curtis, the goal of the program is not just to build houses but to transform the futures of families. The stability provided by a home is often the first step toward greater opportunities for health, education, and economic self-sufficiency.
The Role of Casas por Cristo
Casas por Cristo, the partner organization, has been instrumental in the success of the "Love Thy Neighbor" program. The organization works with local communities to identify families in greatest need and manages the logistics of construction, including sourcing materials and organizing volunteer teams. Their expertise on the ground ensures that each project is completed efficiently and respectfully.
Future Commitment and Vision
With the 150-home milestone now reached, Matt Curtis Real Estate has affirmed its dedication to continuing and expanding the "Love Thy Neighbor" project. The company views the program as an integral part of its identity and a responsibility that accompanies its business success in Alabama.
The firm's leadership has stated that the initiative will remain a priority as they continue to serve clients in their local market. The direct connection between selling a home in Alabama and building one in Central America remains a powerful motivator for the company's team and its clients, who become indirect participants in the charitable effort.
The long-term vision is to continue this pattern of giving, with each local transaction contributing to a global impact. Curtis has reiterated that the firm is committed to changing lives, one home at a time, for many years to come.
