North Tulsa -
Habitat for Humanity teamed up with the Mental Health Association in Tulsa to begin construction on a home for a mother with a special needs child Saturday.
Gaylia Patrick has three sons. Her youngest has Vader syndrome, a rare disease that affects his internal extremities. He is six years old.
"When people first meet him, they cling to him," said Patrick.
Habitat and Mental Health are building her house to kick-off a national mental health conference to be held in Tulsa in September called "From Housing to Recovery." Organizers expect it will draw around 1,000 people to the city.
"I think it's a great opportunity for two organizations to focus on a niche within the market of families in need of affordable and safe and decent housing," said Ken Klein, who sits on the International Board of Habitat for Humanity.
Organizers told Channel 8 they plan to build Patrick's house within 12 weeks in order to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony September 19th, on the first day of the conference. They said they need more volunteers to come to 2215 N. Norfolk Ave. Friday and Saturday mornings to help.
