Community Champions Spotlight: Holly Layport, Program Director for Arcadia-Desoto Habitat for Humanity

The Patterson Foundation believes that individuals, organizations, and communities can achieve their goals by working together. By engaging people, businesses, nonprofits, government, and media around shared aspirations, The Patterson Foundation fosters wide participation to create positive changes that impact us all. In this Community Champions Series, we are spotlighting Holly Layport, Program Director for Arcadia-DeSoto Habitat for Humanity, and learning more about her vision for DeSoto!

Mini Interview

1. How long have you lived in DeSoto County?
I have lived in DeSoto County since 1994, though I spent every summer here growing up, as my family lives in the area. I am married with two children and four grandchildren.

2. What programs, organizations, or initiatives are you involved in within DeSoto County?
I am the Coordinator for DeSoto County Toys for Tots and the Program Director for Arcadia-DeSoto County Habitat for Humanity. I also serve as Co-Chair of the DeSoto County Ahead Housing Team and am a member of the DeSoto County AHAC Committee. Additionally, I am a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and a FORTIFIED Professional.

3. What is your favorite thing about DeSoto County?
My favorite thing is the community and the way people come together to help one another in times of need—whether following a storm, during a personal tragedy, or simply when someone needs a helping hand.

4. What positive changes have you seen in DeSoto County over the years?
I have seen a wonderful increase in the number of programs available to community members and more family involvement in local activities arranged for children.

5. What are your aspirations for DeSoto County?
I would love to see larger parks that accommodate all ages, increased housing availability—including both affordable rentals and homes for purchase—and better facilities for the veterans who provided us with the freedoms we enjoy.

Thank you again for the nomination.


What A DeSoto Digest Team Member Shared: 
“I believe Holly should be featured as a Community Champion because she is an extraordinary leader who truly loves and is deeply committed to DeSoto County. Having lived here her entire life, Holly has an unmatched understanding of the community—its people, its needs, and the opportunities to make it stronger.

Through her work at Habitat for Humanity, Holly is making a meaningful and lasting impact. As a public innovator and the lead of the housing team, she brings energy, creativity, and dedication to everything she does. Holly is the kind of leader who naturally steps up—volunteering to guide conversations, take thoughtful notes, and offer insightful feedback to move work forward.

Those who have the opportunity to work alongside Holly consistently describe her as a go-getter and an incredible teammate. Beyond her professional contributions, one of Holly’s greatest passions is leading the Toys for Tots effort each year. It’s something she speaks about with genuine excitement and pride, and it reflects her deep commitment to giving back and bringing joy to others. Holly embodies what it means to be a Community Champion, and I am honored to nominate her for recognition in the DeSoto Digest Newsletter.” — Alicia Exantus