Habitat homes for single moms Women helping build

Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of the latest build of the season Monday, March 20, in Claypool.

For the first time, Habitat plans to build two homes at one time this year and complete both homes before 2024. The two homes will be built in Claypool for two single moms currently in Habitat’s homeownership program.

“We are very grateful to the town of Claypool. They donated this land to us,” said Ben Logan, Habitat’s director. “They gave us the land, helped us demolish the old house, and now we will be building two new homes where it used to stand. It’s a win-win for both the town and Habitat.”

The ceremony included a short presentation, scripture reading and a blessing on the construction site. It ended with the inaugural groundbreaking for both homes.

“This is an exciting time, but we are far from done,” said Logan. “Habitat still needs sponsors, funding and volunteers to make sure these homes are completed on schedule and the families can move in before 2024.”

Logan said land and empty lots are always needed to help build more homes.

“Sometimes, we buy them (the lots) but we raise our own money,” said Logan. “It’s really about building more affordable homes. There is a need.”

The homeowners must put “sweat equity” into the building process and must complete 250 hours per adult. They must also take financial literacy courses. Each Habitat home is “sold” back to the family with a 0% interest mortgage.

“They work for it, and they pay for it,” Logan said.

Habitat is a nonprofit organization and does not receive any government funds or tax dollars. Private donations and business sponsorships go toward purchasing building supplies to build the homes.

Habitat has a “Women Build” project every year. This year’s “Women Build” is scheduled for June 19-24 in Claypool.

There is a $25 per person registration fee for this event. In return, each woman will receive a T-shirt, lunch and a water. The rest of the money raised will support the homes being worked on. There are limited first- come, firstserved spots available.

The homes will be built for Tracy and Kane Campbell and Courtney and Chloe Dickson. Both women are single mothers.

These homes are a blessing for the women in more ways than one.

For Courtney, though, the responsibility is a golden ticket out of cramped conditions. She is eager to provide a home for herself and her daughter.

“I tried looking for a house in 2020, but the housing market is insane,” Courtney said. “I was quoted $1,300 a month for a two-bedroom apartment.

How am I supposed to afford that?”

Courtney earns enough to disqualify her from any government assistance, but not enough to make the jump to homeownership on her own.

Tracy described what this home means to her family.

“It’s a blessing. I have thought long and hard, and that is what comes to mind all the time. God is good,” she said.

The Campbells had been living in a three-bedroom trailer that has fallen into major disrepair. Like the Dicksons, Tracy and Kane will be involved with the planning, organizing and building of the new home.

It takes around $100,000 to build a Habitat house, according to Logan.

To donate to Habitat for the building of the two Claypool homes, visit kosciuskohabitat.org/give. To sign up to volunteer on the build site, visit kosciuskohabitat.org/volunteer. To follow the progress of the homes, follow Habitat on Facebook or call Habitat at (574) 269-4104.