By John Rohlf
The Message Assistant Editor
Habitat for Humanity of Evansville recently reached a milestone in home construction, becoming the 25th Habitat for Humanity affiliate to build 600 homes.
Habitat for Humanity of Evansville held the dedication of their 600th home last week. Homeowner Camron Hailey’s home is in the 600 block of Covert Avenue in Evansville.
Habitat for Humanity of Evansville has built 600 homes in the area in about 40 years.
“When Habitat was founded 40 years ago, I don’t think our founders could ever have believed that we would reach 600 homes in 40 years,” Habitat for Humanity of Evansville Executive Director Beth Folz said. “And I don’t think they could have imagined that we would be the 25th Habitat affiliate in the nation to reach that milestone.”
Of the 25 Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the nation to reach the milestone, Habitat for Humanity of Evansville is the smallest market to reach the milestone, Folz said.
Folz stressed just like every other city in the United States, affordable housing continues to be a challenge. She said they had over 900 people walk through their doors to apply for a home last year. She stressed the strong demand for their services, with 20-25 homes being built each year.
“That tells you the demand for our services is great,” Folz said. “We are blessed beyond measure to have a mayor who puts housing as one of her platform issues for our city.”
Mayor Stephanie Terry said a little over 40 years ago, Habitat for Humanity of Evansville became the first Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Indiana. She said the organization ranked 16th in the nation last year in new home production.
“Out of more than 1,000 Habitat affiliates in America, this is the 25th to reach that milestone. That’s pretty darn impressive,” Mayor Terry said.
She said in recent years, Evansville has seen the need for affordable housing increase. She said it is wonderful to see so many organizations in the community coming together to help families.
Community One was one of several organizations mentioned by Mayor Terry. Jessica Welcher, the organization’s executive director, said the organization became excited when Habitat announced they were doing an invested build in the Tepe Park neighborhood. She said a little over six years ago, leaders in the Tepe Park neighborhood invited Community One to partner with them toward neighborhood revitalization.
“It’s really beautiful when you walk down the street to see what the example of collaboration is,” Welcher said. “You see Habitat Homes, Memorial Homes, Hope of Evansville, Community One. And you see city investment. And that’s what it looks like when we come together through what residents have told us they want for the place that they live.”
Folz stressed the efficiency with which Hailey completed his required sweat equity hours, stating “he is just a shining example of what Habitat families are.”
Hailey was appreciative of Habitat for Humanity, the core crew, family of friends and his sponsors.
“It wouldn’t have happened without you guys,” Hailey said. “It wasn’t easy but we’re here. It’s been a year, but we’re here. I can now finally say my son will never have to worry about where he’s going to lay his head at night. And my family will be straight, good forever.”
