Building Homes, Building Hope
October 2024
by Brittany Schimke
Photos by Nathan Satran
“The Parade of Homes is a family affair,” share Greg and Erin McCall, along with their daughter Abby Mitchell. Since McCall Homes’ debut at the Parade in 2005, it has been a cherished tradition, involving every family member. But for the McCalls, it's about more than just showcasing beauty; they want their homes to be a beacon of attainability for everyday people.
Traditionally, builders present their most luxurious, dreamlike creations in the Parade of Homes. Early on, the McCalls noticed a common sentiment among attendees: the "Parade of Homes Blues." Many would sigh, wouldn't it be nice to live in something like this? That longing inspired the McCalls to chart a different course. Rather than focusing solely on grandeur, they committed to building homes within reach. “This is a place that is attainable for most buyers in our market,” Greg McCall explains, referring to their 2024 Parade home. They want people to walk away believing they can make a beautiful, welcoming home of their own, complete with personal touches like a cozy rug or velvet drapes, which can completely transform a space.
This year’s Parade home, built utilizing their Arrow floor plan, is a 1,632-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath beauty.
It features the Sage finishing package, with timeless white counters and cabinets for a fresh, clean look. “Yes on trend, and most buyers can use it as a blank canvas to make it their own.,” the McCalls explain.
Every design choice, from the interior to the exterior, was thoughtfully curated. Inspired by an older Billings home near downtown, the exterior was painted in Shoji White and Argos, adding charm. Abby McCall notes, “Fun-colored trim adds a sweet, nostalgic aspect to the home.”
The house exudes charm, especially with one standout feature: the front porch. The McCalls deeply appreciate front porches, describing them as the heart of neighborhood connections. “There’s so much life to be lived on a front porch,” the family says. Whether greeting a neighbor or enjoying a morning coffee, the porch plays a vital role in building community spirit. It’s no wonder this eye-catching feature is one of their favorites.
Understanding the desires of most homebuyers, the McCalls also made sure to include a cozy fireplace, but in a more accessible way. Fireplaces are often a major expense that most home buyers desire, but the McCalls wanted to offer a solution that wouldn’t break the bank. Their solution? A shiplap feature wall with an electric fireplace insert and an old mantel. This affordable option offers the warmth and ambiance buyers crave without the high costs while still keeping a place for hanging Christmas stockings. It’s these thoughtful touches that make McCall Homes stand out.
Beyond creating beautiful homes, the McCalls are driven by a deep sense of mission. “We are so mission-based,” Erin McCall emphasizes. Their commitment extends beyond local families, reaching globally through their partnership with Homes for HOPE. The program, which provides small business loans to those in impoverished countries, aligns with the McCall family’s values of empowering communities and breaking the cycle of poverty. Since 2000, Homes for HOPE has worked with builders like McCall Homes to fund loans in 20 of the world’s most impoverished countries. According to the Homes for HOPE website, funds generated from domestic building projects to Homes for HOPE enable biblically based training, savings services, and loans that restore dignity and break the cycle of poverty.
Through this program, small loans are given to entrepreneurs in places where access to capital is nonexistent. These funds make a life-changing difference in regions where people can’t simply walk into a bank and ask for a loan. Greg McCall recalls meeting one of the loan recipients, a woman who knew exactly who he and the other builders were. “You’re the people investing in my dreams,” she told him, explaining how she would repay her loan. This connection reaffirmed to Greg that Homes for HOPE is one of the most impactful ways to combat poverty today.
McCall Homes first contributed to Homes for HOPE in 2014, and over the past decade, they have built several homes, investing nearly half a million dollars. The beauty of the program is that the capital is continually replenished as loans are paid back, allowing the funds to be used repeatedly. Each home built provides hope, empowering more individuals with entrepreneurial dreams.
This year’s Parade home will generate $111,000 for Homes for HOPE, thanks to the collaborative efforts of McCall Homes, their partners, suppliers, and tradesmen. “It takes a team,” Greg shares. While McCall Homes leads the charge, many others contribute. Some donate checks, like JMC Concrete, which is donating 100% of its labor. This year, $48,000 of the total $111,000 comes from suppliers and tradesmen alone. “It takes so many hands to build a house,” Greg reflects, “and I’m fortunate to work with a lot of generous people.”
Originally printed in the October 2024 issue of Simply Local Magazine
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