More than 85 people attended Brown County Indiana Habitat for Humanity’s “Giving Dinner” on Nov. 7 at the Season’s Lodge and Conference Center, graciously hosted by Kevin Ault. A delicious meal, violin music by Carolyn Dutton and lively conversation was enjoyed by all. Presentations regarding Habitat’s accomplishments and future plans were presented by Sue Lindborg, President and Andrea Replogle, Vice-President. Board members and attendees collectively donated more than $22,000 toward their goal of $150,000.
The organization partnered with three different families in 2023; completing one home this past summer, is currently building another, and through the Brush with Kindness program, tackled a variety of repairs for existing homeowners and members of the community. BCIHFH was even able to assist another Habitat affiliate in placing a family into a home in Jackson County.
Owning a Habitat Home requires a commitment. Families are selected based on three things: their need for housing, their ability to pay an affordable mortgage and a willingness to partner. Each family puts in 250 hours of sweat equity and most of that time is usually spent building their home with their own hands.
With the help of many, many volunteers, Habitat builds affordable homes, with materials for each house costing approximately $150,000. Homeowners then pay their mortgages to BCIHFH at zero percent interest. Combined mortgage revenue helps cover administrative costs but in order to build more houses, the organization needs to secure grants and raise funds to pay for the cost of each home.
The recent Indiana Uplands Regional Housing Study estimates that by 2030 Brown County will need 199 owner occupied homes, of which 124 should cost $250,000 or less. By 2035, an additional 98 moderate market owner occupied homes will be needed. The study confirms that housing is a priority throughout the region, so BCIHFH is forming a collaborative partnership with community members to address the issue of affordable housing in Brown County.
Housing as a first objective for low-income families has been proven to stabilize communities. When people live in decent, affordable homes, homeowners and their families have the opportunity to improve their health, educational attainment, safety, and ultimately generational wealth.
Habitat wants to see families and employees thrive in Brown County but realizes that cannot happen if there is no decent and affordable housing in which to live. Habitat can build houses but needs the funds and land to do so. They are seeking the help of Brown County community members to step forward and help achieve their vision of “A world where everyone has a decent place to live.”
For more information: www.browncountyhabitat.org or call 812.988.4926
