Habitat For Humanity

Pat Wilson founded the BHSN Habitat for Humanity Chapter in 1998. She has been a sponsor of the program since.

About Us

Web Designers:

Scott Hoover

(812) 340-4909

 

Bhavin Patel

(812) 650-2852

 

 

 

Sponsor:

Pat Wilson

pwilson@mccsc.edu

(812) 339-7145

 

 

Purpose: Habitat for Humanity is a worldwide non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating substandard housing and homelessness.  Habitat invites people from all backgrounds, races, and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.  Habitat has built more than 95,000 houses around the world, providing more than 475,000 people in more than 2,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter.

Background: The BHSN chapter was founded in 1998 by North students Josh Girvin and Joe Aamidor.  It received official independent campus chapter status in 2000 and works in partnership with the Monroe County Habitat chapter.  It is the only student chapter in the United States that has co-sponsored and built eight houses in eight years. We have begun House #9. The county in which North Habitat operates has consistently had the most expensive housing units in the state, lending additional urgency to its mission.

Co-sponsorship: Each house costs North Habitat $27,000 that goes toward purchasing tools and building supplies.  North is also responsible for providing a regular work force and meals at the work site.

Fundraising: North students hold a number of fundraisers throughout the year.  Major events include garage/yard sales, nights of music, Rake-a-Thons, and a silent auction/benefit dinner called “An Evening for Habitat.” This year’s “Evening for Habitat” event will be held February 18, 2010; it is our largest fundraiser of the year.

All the money raised goes toward building houses.  North keeps none of the money raised.  All operating funds are paid for separately by members.  Any money donated goes into a separate account.

Habitat does not give away houses.  Partner families for whom the houses are built pay back the cost of the house through regular interest-free mortgage payments which, in turn, go toward building the next house.

Projects:

·        2009: Kristin Bogue and her three children

·        2008: Lisa Shepherd-Long and her three children’s home.

·        2007: Marie Carter and her four children’s home

·        2006: Lora Gilbert and her three children’s home.

·        2005: Rodney and Nakia Wells home.

·        2004: Carlos and Adrianna Nueney home.

·        2003: Tom and Denise Valkyrie home.

·        2002: Luz Balbuena and Ricardo Girón home.

·        2001: Corey Shorter and Hilary Rice home.  This was the first home fully co-sponsored by North.

·        2001: Provided windows for the Norris family home.

·        2000: Provided roof for Jennifer Titus home.

 

Is poverty housing a problem in Monroe County?

Housing costs in Monroe County are the highest in Indiana. While the median cost of a home in Indiana in 1996 was $85,000, here it was $107,000. Rental units in Bloomington are among the most expensive in the state. For many working people in our community, the dream of home ownership is out of reach.

How does Habitat work with the government?

Habitat for Humanity International is not a government agency, nor does it accept government funds for the construction of houses. However, Habitat considers all levels of government and governmental agencies important partners in its mission to eliminate poverty housing. We encourage governments to do what they can to help alleviate the suffering of all those who have no decent, adequate place to live. Habitat for Humanity welcomes partnerships with governments to help "set the stage" for the construction of houses. Stage-setting funding and gifts might include land, houses for rehabilitation, infrastructure for streets, utilities and administrative expenses.

 

What does a Habitat house cost?

Habitat houses are for affordable low-income families because there is no profit included in the sale price and no interest charge on the mortgage. Mortgage length varies from seven to 30 years. In Monroe County, where housing costs are the highest in the State, a house costs $45,000.

How are partner families selected?

Families in need of decent shelter apply to HHMC. Our family selection committee chooses homeowners based on the level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the no-interest loan. Every affiliate follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families who receive Habitat houses.

 

How can I become involved?

Habitat is able to build houses at a very low cost because the workers are all volunteers. Currently, Habitat is in need of volunteer workers. Though one cannot build until the age of 16, there are many other ways to get involved including working with fundraising or through donations.  No experience is necessary to build, and any skills can be learned from professional carpenters at the work site.  Some of the jobs that the volunteers perform include: painting, attaching siding, putting up drywall, digging, and nailing.  Most weeks, there is a meeting every Thursday morning from 7:20-8:00, and building is from 8:00-4:00 on Saturdays.  Various fundraising activities such as working at Indiana University concession stands and gift wrapping during the holidays occur at various times throughout the year.  Please consider what your time both on-site and off-site will mean to others in need.

Contact Information

Established in 1998  by North students Josh Girvin and Joe Aamidor.

Given official status as an independent campus chapter in 2000.

Fundraising projects include: Garage sales, work at IU concession stands, winter caroling, An Evening for Habitat, and Northstock benefit concert.

North Habitat has sponsored and built 8 houses in the last 8years; One of the top High School Chapter in the nation.

BHSN Habitat Chapter