Kosciusko Habitat For Humanity Moving Forward

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By GREG BROWN, Times-Union Staff Writer-

Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County has four houses under its belt and is ready to move forward.

The Kosciusko board is an affiliate of the international housing ministry started in 1976 by Linda and Millard Fuller. That ministry has grown to over 500 affiliates in the United States and more than 100 other projects in 30 different countries.

Locally, Habitat works with low-income clients or "partners" to provide affordable housing. Partners and volunteers - including local contractors - contribute time building Habitat houses. Volunteers also help with fund-raisers and finance management to lessen the cost of the home.

The first two Habitat homes in Kosciusko county were built in Syracuse. The third house, built in Warsaw on the corner of Oldfather Street and Park Avenue, was completed in the fall of 1995. The fourth was completed right next door, on Oldfather Street, this fall.

Habitat does not give away homes. The homes are sold to partners at no profit to the board. The partners are chosen by the board through a selection committee that determines the level of need.

Besides paying the mortgage payment, each chosen homeowner is required to work "sweat equity" hours helping in the manufacture of their home. The hours that the buyer invests - along with the volunteer hours - help reduce the cost of the home.

Cost is also reduced by donated materials. According to the board, a Habitat house in the United States costs an average of $35,000.

Recently, the board has planted a tree in the yard of each Habitat home in Kosciusko County with funds from the Roy Stiffler Memorial Fund. The planting of a tree will be an annual event at the Habitat sites.

At its November meeting the board discussed ways of creating community interest in the program. "We want a diverse group," said board member Lauren Sattler. "A diversity in age and a diversity in financial status is welcomed," she concluded.

"We want people who have a heart for people," said board member Vicki Provine.

Not only construction workers are needed to do the Habitat work. The board noted that there are opportunities for all individuals to use their talents.

Anyone interested in learning more about Habitat for Humanity should contact Lauren Sattler at 267-5428. Visitors are invited to the next Habitat meeting at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Trinity United Methodist Church at 832 East Center, Warsaw. [[In-content Ad]]

Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County has four houses under its belt and is ready to move forward.

The Kosciusko board is an affiliate of the international housing ministry started in 1976 by Linda and Millard Fuller. That ministry has grown to over 500 affiliates in the United States and more than 100 other projects in 30 different countries.

Locally, Habitat works with low-income clients or "partners" to provide affordable housing. Partners and volunteers - including local contractors - contribute time building Habitat houses. Volunteers also help with fund-raisers and finance management to lessen the cost of the home.

The first two Habitat homes in Kosciusko county were built in Syracuse. The third house, built in Warsaw on the corner of Oldfather Street and Park Avenue, was completed in the fall of 1995. The fourth was completed right next door, on Oldfather Street, this fall.

Habitat does not give away homes. The homes are sold to partners at no profit to the board. The partners are chosen by the board through a selection committee that determines the level of need.

Besides paying the mortgage payment, each chosen homeowner is required to work "sweat equity" hours helping in the manufacture of their home. The hours that the buyer invests - along with the volunteer hours - help reduce the cost of the home.

Cost is also reduced by donated materials. According to the board, a Habitat house in the United States costs an average of $35,000.

Recently, the board has planted a tree in the yard of each Habitat home in Kosciusko County with funds from the Roy Stiffler Memorial Fund. The planting of a tree will be an annual event at the Habitat sites.

At its November meeting the board discussed ways of creating community interest in the program. "We want a diverse group," said board member Lauren Sattler. "A diversity in age and a diversity in financial status is welcomed," she concluded.

"We want people who have a heart for people," said board member Vicki Provine.

Not only construction workers are needed to do the Habitat work. The board noted that there are opportunities for all individuals to use their talents.

Anyone interested in learning more about Habitat for Humanity should contact Lauren Sattler at 267-5428. Visitors are invited to the next Habitat meeting at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Trinity United Methodist Church at 832 East Center, Warsaw. [[In-content Ad]]

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