Jim Snider, Executive Director of Brown County Indiana Habitat for Humanity, brilliantly led the organization’s Annual Report to the Community, on Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Seasons Lodge and Conference Center.
Highlights of accomplishments in the past year were celebrated, including the completion of their 23rd home in Nashville and current construction of the 24th home in Helmsburg. Accolades were expressed for the many volunteers and supporters, including the generous donation by the Season’s Lodge for the use of its facilities.
Jim described future plans for the expansion of services to Jackson and eventually Bartholomew counties, plus the opening of a ReStore in Brown County. In addition, BC Habitat hopes to create a subdivision of affordable housing, once appropriate land is secured. Sincere thanks were given to all the many volunteers who contributed to realizing Habitat’s vision of “A world where everyone has a decent place to live.”
John Werner, board member and lead of the agency’s Brush with Kindness program, was awarded the Jim Drum Legacy Award in recognition of his efforts to renovate a donated house from Jackson County Habitat for Humanity, which had dissolved its affiliation. His efforts resulted in the opportunity for a mother and her children to finally own a house.
Ken Gindling, Cheryl Dixon and Carol Lyvers were awarded a blue hard hat for volunteering more than 100 construction hours in the last home build. Quincy Robinson was recognized with the Emerging Leader award.
Board President Sue Lindborg reminded over 50 people in attendance that according to a recent housing study, Brown County will need 124 houses costing less than $250,000, by 2030, in order to meet the needs of its residents. Affordable housing is housing that a household can pay for, while still having money left over for other necessities such as food, transportation and health care. A household is considered “cost-burdened” if they pay more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Sue went on to state that Habitat strongly advocates for home ownership, versus renting, so families can build wealth equity and pass it on to future generations.
Another highlight of the evening was the annual Pie Auction which generated a lot of enthusiasm as people bid on over 50 donated baked goods and items, including fudge of the month from the Heritage Candy Store. Shirley Boardman donated 22 items that raised $1,305. A gorgeous charcuterie board, handcrafted by Alan Brittingham of Seymour, alone brought in the highest bid of $2,050. The auction in total raised over $11,000 in bids and donations to further assist BC Habitat in building homes.
