A sound investment in a family’s future

Habitat for Humanity offers simple, affordable, decent housing

The heart of Marshall County is evident in an organization that recognizes the power of a helping hand. In 1989 Habitat for Humanity was founded in Marshall County and that was when this organization with national roots began bringing together local resources to help low-income residents realize the dream of owning their own home.

The driving force behind this effort is the belief that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. Houses are built and repaired using volunteer labor and donations.

Partner families help with the build and then purchase these houses through no-profit mortgage loans. The program helps families break the cycle of poverty and build long-term financial security. The affordable house payments help free up money for food, child care, medicine and other necessities. And studies show that decent housing improves health, increases children’s educational achievement and strengthens community ties.

To help meet the need for materials, a grant from the Marshall County Community Foundation in 2006 helped start the Habitat ReStore in Plymouth. The ReStore resells any extra construction items not used in the build as well as nearly every other item donated to the store – appliances, furniture and more. These funds supplement donations for purchase of materials and have allowed local program administrators to consider expansion of the program to include more home construction projects.

One young man from Plymouth helped with the build for his family’s home and later on, while in high school, he volunteered at the ReStore. His college applications included an essay on what it meant to him and his family to have a safe place to live thanks to Habitat for Humanity. He chose to attend IU- Purdue in Fort Wayne to study engineering.

Habitat is transforming lives in Marshall County and the Habitat for Humanity Fund at the Marshall County Community Foundation supports these efforts.