From the desk of Jim Morris, President & CEO
By this time of January, the holidays are clearly in the rear view mirror and many of us are living into the spirit of renewal as a benefit of a New Year. Our energy is on 2017 planning. Our board, staff, and Tiger Team (our “mostly” retired group of regular volunteers) are preparing to accomplish the year’s goals from activities like finalizing the budget, creating the build project calendar, and preparing the workshop for another fulfilling year.
While our team’s planning rhythm and contagious energy is familiar for the start of the year, it will be unique as we will recognize 30 years of bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope (learn more about our founding). Be on the lookout for a few fun things to highlight our 30th anniversary.
Before we dive into 2017 plans, reflecting on 2016 showed that with the support of our donors, sponsors, Tigers, and board, we walked alongside 65 families throughout Hancock, Hendricks and Marion counties to provide 21 new or rehabbed homes and 44 repairs that helped preserve homes for owners. That is the most housing solutions provided in the history of the organization.
We hit a few additional milestones last year:
- Built our first home in Hancock County in Greenfield.
- Hosted our first Interfaith Build, where we saw 30+ faith-based groups work together to build two homes.
- The 81st homeowner fully paid off their mortgage.
In 2017 the goal is to build and rehab 27 homes and provide 40 repairs to existing homes. We’ll continue building on the tradition of our three main theme builds: the State Fair Agricultural Build, Women Build, and the Interfaith Build. We will be building in Hendricks County, Marion (in a variety of neighborhoods) and Hancock County.
I invite you to jump in and join us this year. Donate. Volunteer. Visit one of our ReStores. We look forward to seeing you help build strength and stability through homeownership in 2017.
