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Clark County Community Habitat for Humanity plans to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year with its first project in New Carlisle.
The non-profit organization is targeting the northwestern Clark County city as the sight of its first new home-building project since 2012. It’s just part of what looks to be a busy 2015, according to executive director Matthew Wilson.
“We’re very convinced as an organization the need is there in New Carlisle,” said Wilson. “We’ve seen a steadily increasing number of applications from that area.”
Habitat is also focused on another potential local building project, increased business and expansion at its ReStore and its annual reception event in April.
Wilson said he’s hopeful a qualified partner family will be approved soon to move forward in New Carlisle, followed by approval by the Habitat board in the next few weeks.
Should it come together, a projected building start date in May is feasible, according to Wilson. It’s contingent upon getting the family approved, getting at least two-thirds of the roughly $70,000 it costs to build, and hopefully enticing local businesses and churches to support the project.
Wilson said New Carlisle isn’t the only future building location under consideration.
“At this point, any outlying communities with the proper infrastructure — existing sewer and water we don’t have to put in — and families in need we’ll go there to serve,” he said.
Wilson added his core group of retirees, who help build and do odds and ends, is chomping at the bit for new projects. Habitat has built 57 homes locally in its 25 years.
One of Habitat’s recent ventures, a Neighborhood Stabilization program in partnership with the City of Springfield and Assurant Specialty Property, has produced several houses in Springfield’s south side neighborhoods.
Gina McConnell, a single mom with five kids ranging in ages 3-14 and currently living in her mom’s house, was approved as a partner family in late 2014. Such families are approved by Habitat and its board to take occupancy after fulfilling several requirements.
In addition to working full-time in a nursing home and family life, she puts in sweat equity hours toward moving into the new home, located on East Southern Avenue.
This requires about 200 hours, including working in Habitat’s ReStore and office or volunteering to help another partner family. In addition, she must complete a home ownership class to learn how to budget and handle other homeowner responsibilities.
“It’s time-consuming but really worth it. I’ve become a better person because of it,” said McConnell. “It will be a perfect place for my kids to call home, where they can have their own rooms to play in.”
Another project Wilson is gaining support for is a proposed community learning center on Linden Avenue.
“Part of our original plan was also for educational opportunities,” he said. “It’s still in the preliminary stages.”
Habitat is working with the prosecutor’s office, which could help financially by contributing some of its drug forfeiture money for things like drug education programs.
Wilson said Habitat’s funding has been fairly stable, but it lost a $15,000 contract that was ineligible for renewal. The group has been struggling to adjust ever since.
Habitat’s ReStore, located at 259 S. Wittenberg Ave., enjoyed record sales in 2014, after relocating from its North Street location. The stores sells new and used home improvement items such as appliances, cabinets, furniture and bathroom fixtures, and is now licensed to sell upholstered items.
Wilson said such donations help keep items out of a landfill, supports Habitat and helps others.
Celebrating its 25 successful years will be part of the Habitat’s annual reception at 6 p.m. April 11 at the Buckeye Sports Lodge. The free event is open to the public and includes free food. The evening will also include a silent auction, an update on habitat activities and the chance to meet a partner family.
“We’ve got a lot to celebrate and a lot more to do,” said Wilson.
For more information about Habitat, go to www.clarkcountyhabitat.org.
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