New Habitat director's knowledge an asset

After years of service, Portales Habitat For Humanity Director Joyce Davis has stepped down and handed the reigns to Gallup’s Mike Gray as the organization continues to grow.

Gray, who previously worked as the director of the Manuelito Navajo Children’s Home and School in Gallup for about 20 years, assumed the executive director position in March, according to Davis.

Davis said it was time to let someone else take over as director, because the organization has grown past her experience.

“His experience is perfect for what we’re doing,” Davis said of Gray.

Gray said his experience working with finances and volunteers at Manuelito gave him confidence coming into the executive director job at Habitat.

Gray said he had not been able to be a part of Habitat before becoming executive director but had always been interested in the organization.

Gray knowing the Clovis community well will play to his advantage when bringing together volunteers and resources from both Clovis and Portales, according to Davis.

link Staff photo: Joshua Lucero

Habitat For Humanity Executive Director Mike Gray works at his desk Monday afternoon in Habitat’s Portales offices on Second Street. Gray took over as executive director after former Director Joyce Davis stepped down in late March.

Gray said he plans to bring changes as the organization grows in the Portales and Clovis area.

Gray said he wants to raise Habitat’s public profile and give the public an accurate understanding of what the organization is and what it can do.

He said he hopes the added public exposure will get more homes built by Habitat for residents in need.

“I just love the idea of having an opportunity to serve the community,” Gray said. “I just love to help and serve. My wife and I have been blessed with servants’ hearts.”

Gray said the Habitat ReStore in Clovis has been expanding, adding a new metal building in April to house the donations the organization receives.

The building houses Habitat’s building supplies and household goods that have been donated to sell at the ReStore.

Gray said the public can make donations at the ReStore and said all sales of donated goods at the ReStore go towards Habitat programs like Brush

With Kindness and home building projects.

Gray said the organization just finished up it’s Women Build Week Saturday after constructing wheelchair ramps for a Clovis resident in need.

“The people are wonderful; I’ve had the opportunity to work with 200 to 300 volunteers since I’ve been here,” Gray said.

Gray said he has three projects in the works for the summer, but has not had them finalized as of Monday.

He said he plans to continue to grow Habitat for Humanity in the area to continue to meet the needs of the communities it serves.

“I’m looking forward to continuing a life of service to God and mankind,” Gray said.