Habitat for Humanity Fund

For twelve years, the Gibson County Habitat for Humanity has been helping deserving families become homeowners, many for the first time.  Homes have been built in Fort Branch, Haubstadt, Oakland City and Princeton, where the organization's twelfth house is currently being constructed.

Two years ago, Habitat expanded its services in Gibson County by adding the Senior Repair Program. "Gibson County has a widespread need for an organization that provides free emergency home repair to the elderly, disabled and those who simply cannot afford to pay for their repair work," said Habitat board president Chuck Sternberg. "We have found that many people who live in adequate housing are in real need of help with repairs."

As Habitat has grown in providing much-needed housing and services in Gibson County, its board of trustees began to study the idea of preserving resources through endowment to ensure its ability to serve the community into the future.  The Gibson County Community Foundation was the right fit, and the board voted to establish the Gibson County Habitat for Humanity Fund.  Annual proceeds from the fund will provide Habitat with a consistent and ever-increasing source of income year after year.

"Establishing an endowment was an important step for our organization," said Tom Dooley, Habitat's executive director.  "It represents our commitment to helping people in need now and forever into the future.  It cements our place in Gibson County."

Other county agencies that have established endowed charitable funds with the Foundation include Gibson County ARC, Gibson General Health Foundation, Gibson General Hospital, Princeton Area Dollars for Scholars, South Gibson Dollars for Scholars and the United Way of Gibson County.

"The Gibson County Community Foundation adds value to agency endowment programs by offering an investment program and planned giving services that small and midsized nonprofits simply cannot afford to duplicate through their individual efforts," said Marlene Obert, president of the Foundation's board of trustees.  "Partnering with the Foundation allows these agencies to focus thier valuable staff and board time on their mission and on the important services they provide in our community."