Kara Abstone moved into her Habitat home in 2000 when her daughter, Karrington, was just a baby. “I started (Habitat) classes when she was just one week old! They called her the Habitat baby,” remembers Kara. Now, as Karrington finishes up her high school degree, her mom finishes up the final details of a bathroom remodel made possible through our new Habitat Home Improvement Program.

In an effort to provide additional resources to Habitat homeowners to improve their quality of life, a gift from the Randall C. and Janet D. Belden Family Fund, a fund of The Indianapolis Foundation, helped fund the creation of our Home Improvement Program. Through this initiative, Habitat homeowners like Kara can fund home improvements such as HVAC replacement, accessibility or security additions, porch or patio repairs, and more, with a 0% interest loan up to $5,000.

“The goal of this program is to create affordable avenues for our homeowners to modify and improve their homes so they can live there as long as they would like,” said Jim Morris, Greater Indy Habitat president & CEO. “As reported in our recent 30-Year-Impact Study, more than 88% of homeowners shared that they plan on remaining in their current Habitat home for a long time or permanently. This program helps homeowners adapt their space so they can continue to grow into and enjoy it.”

Kara’s more spacious, orchid painted bathroom is an example of this opportunity to change and customize her home. The loan enabled a contractor to open up walls in the bathroom, replace the linoleum with tile, upgrade the shower and vanity, and replace the textured paint. With plum shower curtains on their way, Kara says her Pinterest board came to life. Karrington approves of the changes and even shared project progress with friends via FaceTime.

After 18 years of enjoying her home, Kara made her dream bathroom a reality, thanks to the Habitat Home Improvement Program.

Habitat homeowners interested in this program, please contact Janet at 317.777.6090.

Before Photos:

After Photos: