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Events

Cover Indiana-Discovering What I Can Do: Lauren

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This year I’m serving as an AmeriCorps A-Team member with Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity. Before this trip, I had never ridden my bike over 45 miles. Yet, on the first day of the Habitat for Humanity Cover Indiana ride, I rode 72 miles! We started the day in Lafayette and worked our way down and around Clinton Co. to Thorntown. During that first half of the ride I had the pleasure of riding beside all kinds of riders – young athletic riders, a couple on a tandem bike, and a woman who is so dedicated to riding that even after breaking her hip on a bike ride, came back and rode on a recumbent bike! After reaching Thorntown, the majority of our team rode on to Crawfordsville. However, Paul (a Tiger with Greater Indy Habitat and pictured below), Ted (Director of Development with Greater Indy) and I turned around and headed back to Lafayette to finish out our day ride. We faced some serious headwinds and steep hills! But we forged on, got a little off path and then found our way back to base camp.


The amount of pride and accomplishment I felt was second to none! It was because of the support and strength of Paul, Ted and my fellow Habitat riders that I was able to accomplish this mileage goal of mine and feel this great sense of personal empowerment. Whether you are a future homeowner, a volunteer or supporter, Habitat does that to you – strengthens you, helps you discover what you can do and is there to cheer you on as you reach your goals.

2017 Global Conference: Nick

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As a newcomer to Habitat for Humanity, I did not know exactly what to expect out of the 2017 Habitat for Humanity International’s Global Conference.  My experience with Habitat for Humanity had been solely with our affiliate in Indianapolis before traveling to Atlanta.  Seeing the scale and diversity of the organization globally was powerful.  From the moment I arrived at the convention center, I could feel that I was a part of something much bigger than any one person—much bigger than myself.  The excitement and friendliness of the attendees and my fellow coworkers made conversation easy and the exchange of ideas unavoidable.

I was brought on board with Greater Indy Habitat to help them develop a homeowner repair program, and I was going about this task in what I thought was the only way of doing it.  Attending sessions at the conference did not just expose me to new ideas, tips, and advice on how to run an efficient and successful homeowner repair program.  It also made me realize how unique each affiliate’s approach to their community is and how in order to be successful, we have to tailor our services to the communities we serve.

Overall, my Global Conference experience inspired me.  I know that reading this may come across as inauthentic, but I absolutely mean it.  I was able to make international connections with people who have been working in the organization for decades. I bonded with my coworkers, and I even made a few new friends.  I think the most important thing I left with, though, was a sense of excitement for the future of our program and the inspiration to create something meaningful for our community.

Kick Off Event Recap: Amy

By | Builders Circle, Events, Homeowner, Tiger Team, Volunteer, Women Build | No Comments

This week we kicked-off our 30th year with more than 150 of our supporters. We are again is awe of the outpouring of support and encouragement that fills the room at this annual event.

We started the evening with a private reception for our Builders Circle members, allowing them a sneak peak at the info tables and more personalized attention speaking with our team about ways to get involved. President & CEO, Jim Morris, as well as future homeowner Amy Brown spoke to the members about the important role individual donors play in our mission and the need for continued growth in this area of support.

Once the doors opened for the public portion of the event, the “streets” of the DeveloperTown warehouse were flooded with individual, corporate, and faith-based supporters eager to learn more about the work we are doing in Indy and how they can be a part of it in 2017. We paused for a brief moment for Jim to share more about our plans in our 30th year and to recognize those who have gone above and beyond to support our mission.

We would like to thank our award recipients for their past and continued support:

  • “Frank Hartman” Volunteer of the Year: Jamie Gardner Hall
  • Legacy Corporate Partner: Eli Lilly & Company and Eli Lilly & Company Foundation
  • Build Sponsor of the Year: Davis Homes
  • Legacy Church Partner: St. Paul’s Episcopal

Thank you to everyone who was able to help us kick-off our 30th year. We hope you can find a way to join our work in 2017 as we unite to build homes, hope and community!

Special thanks to DeveloperTown, Sun King Brewery and Monarch Beverage Company, for helping make our Kickoff a success!

Help Kick Off our 30th Year!

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As we enter into 2017, the significance of our mission and need for affordable housing is as great as it was 30 years ago, when Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity was founded. Throughout these years, we have had the privilege to work with many companies, organizations and individuals who selflessly gave their time and money to lend a hand up and help us partner with more than 540 families in our community.

We invite you to join us for an enjoyable evening to hear the many ways you can be a part of serving our mission in the Greater Indy community in 2017!

SAVE THE DATE: 2017 Kick-Off Event, Thursday, March 16th, at 6 p.m., at DeveloperTown.

Register to join us today!

In addition to meeting future homeowners and recognizing our outstanding partners from last year, we will share how we plan on continuing our mission this year, including ways you can get involved, including:

So please join us as we celebrate the year to come, and prepare for the work ahead! Spread the word, bring a friend, and get ready to build homes for families, hope for the future, and community in 2017!

Drinks provided by Sun King Brewing Company.
Light Hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Limited number of door prizes for attendees.

With questions please contact Amy Donhardt, adonhardt@indyhabitat.org or 317.777.6085.

Join us Nov. 10 for our Spirit & Place Event

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More Than a Roof: Affordable Homeownership as a Catalyst for Change

With the theme of “Home,” we knew participation in the 2016 Spirit & Place Festival was a must. On Thursday, Nov. 10, we invite you to join a hands-on, interactive experience and conversation about how affordable homeownership can eliminate barriers to a better, healthier, more financially stable life.

In Indiana, the average hourly wage necessary to afford a two‐bedroom, Fair Market Rate (FMR) unit is $14.03. More than half of Hoosier renters (52%) cannot afford the FMR, according to an Indiana 211 Partnership Community Report. The need for affordable housing is real and the benefits of homeownership—stability for children, improved health and safety, increased education and job prospects, and asset building—can be life-changing.

Taking place at Second Presbyterian Church and in partnership with Circles Indy, attendees to this event will enjoy a simple meal beginning at 5:30 p.m. before participating in a poverty simulation. The event will conclude in a group reflection and conversation led by our president & CEO Jim Morris, Marie Wiese with Circles Indy, and Habitat families eager to share their experiences.

This is a free event but space is limited, so please RSVP via the Spirit & Place website by Nov. 9. With questions, please contact Abri Hochstetler at 317.777.6095.

World Habitat Day

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Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of World Habitat Day!

World Habitat Day is a day set aside annually to recognize the basic right of all humanity to adequate shelter, and to encourage grassroots action toward ending poverty housing. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2016, as in years past, Habitat for Humanity joins with our partners around the world to rededicate ourselves to a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Moment of Prayer Oct. 5 at Noon

On Oct. 5 at noon, join your voice with Habitat for Humanity supporters all over the world and help raise awareness of the global movement and importance of housing issues.

 

Join us in the following prayer:

Home. God, give us the hands, hearts and resources to continue building homes for – and with – our neighbors in need.

Hope. Thank you for the hope you offer and prayers you answer through the Habitat mission. Help us to be your hands and feet as you love and provide for your children.

Community. Guide us in breaking down barriers and connecting people through communities. Build your Kingdom here as it is in Heaven.

Amen.

 

Did you know?

  • Every four minutes, Habitat serves a family in need of better housing.
  • Habitat has helped more than 5 million people since our founding in 1976.
  • Habitat works in more than 1,400 communities in the United States, and in more than 70 countries worldwide, from Argentina to Zambia.
  • About 2 million volunteers work with Habitat every year worldwide.

 

Read more about worldwide housing facts and Habitat for Humanity’s response to inadequate shelter across the globe.

Stay up-to-date on ways to get involved locally or through our Global Village program by signing up for our enewsletter!

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    Cover Indiana

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    Cover Indiana is an annual weeklong bicycle tour through Central Indiana that raises funds and awareness for local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. Created in 2004 by Habitat for Humanity of Indiana, the ride begins in Lafayette and concludes in Indianapolis.

    The 2016 Cover Indiana riders will depart on Sunday, May 8 from Lafayette for a weeklong, approximately 380-mile journey that will culminate in Indianapolis on Saturday, May 14. Along the way, cyclists overnight in churches and community centers as a group, and riders are supported by two “SAG” vans.

    Our riders say it best!

    “It was a great time biking with other fund raisers for such a great cause as Habitat – we experienced fellowship, a driving rainstorm along with 100 hungry folks descending on a small luncheon cafe in Clay City…I plan on participating again!” – Greg Maiers

    Each rider will pay a registration fee that covers the lodging, food, rider support and the end celebration. In addition to the registration fee, each rider is challenged to raise funds for the affiliate of their choice.

    Week Riders

    • Registration: $225*
    • Minimum Fundraising Goal: $350

     

    Multi Day Riders

    • Registration: $35/day
    • Optional Fundraising Goal: $50

     

    Day Riders

    • Registration: $20
    • Optional Fundraising Goal: $50
    With questions about the ride, contact Ted Mosey at 317.777.6091.
    Visit hfhcoverindiana.org for additional information about the Cover Indiana Bicycle Tour.

    Women Build

    By | Events, Women Build | No Comments

    The Habitat for Humanity Women Build program recruits, educates and nurtures women to build and advocate for simple, decent and affordable houses in their communities. In 2015, 21 teams of passionate women raised more than $112,000 to help build a house for Janae and her children to call home. Women are now recruiting builders and raising funds for our third annual Women Build project. Learn more below!

    Get involved in the 2016 Women Build!

    Construction of the Women Build home relies on support from more than 300 women volunteers, who fund and build the house. Ways to get involved in Women Build:

    • Our team leader positions are filled for 2016, but if you are interested in becoming a volunteer builder, please contact us.
    • Make a donation to support one of our 2016 women builders!
    • Lend a hand to the Women Build by offering your expertise or company support through an in-kind donation. To discover what Habitat needs for construction and volunteer recognition, please contact womenbuild@indyhabitat.org.
    • Anyone is invited to get involved as a Women Build advocate! Spread the word by using #IndyWomenBuild on Facebook and Twitter.
    Still have questions or interested in becoming a team leader next year? Contact us or check out our Women Build FAQ
    Thank you to our 2015 Women Builders!
    2015 Women Build Dedication

    Kick-Off Event

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    What will you build in 2016?

    What will you build in 2016?

     

    Attendees of our annual Kick-Off event discovered the many ways they can support and further Habitat’s mission in Greater Indy. DeveloperTown created the perfect space for our guests to network with fellow supporters, celebrate Habitat’s outstanding 2015 partners, meet many future Habitat homeowners, get details on our 2016 plans from Jim Morris, President & CEO.

     

    At the 2016 Kick-Off event, attendees learned about:

    • Becoming a family mentor
    • 2016 Women Build project
    • Global Village Trip to El Salvador
    • Cover Indiana Bicycle Tour May 8-14
    • Donating to and shopping at our three ReStores
    • Becoming a Volunteer
    • Sponsoring a Habitat project
    • Becoming a Tiger Team member
    • Qualifying and becoming a Homeowner

    And more!

     

    Special thanks to our event partners: DeveloperTown, Sun King Brewing and Monarch Beverage Company.

     

    Stay tuned for next year’s event – we hope to see you there!