Habitat for Humanity of Dubois County Holds 23 rd Groundbreaking Ceremony

On Saturday morning, Habitat for Humanity held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for their 23 rd home build. 

The ceremony marks a new beginning for Habitat’s partner family, the Coopers. Their home in St. Anthony is the most recent project for Habitat for Humanity of Dubois County. The non- profit Christian housing ministry aims to eliminate substandard housing in the county, one house at a time. Using volunteer labor and sourcing funds and materials through the organization, homes are then sold to partner families at no profit, providing a more manageable mortgage for which the family is responsible. 

Paige Cooper spoke with WITZ about her emotions on learning that their application had been granted, saying, “I’m very grateful. I really am. I’m very grateful. Whenever I found out that I got it, I literally couldn’t even stand. I just dropped to my knees and I started crying. It was very emotional. I thank everyone that has anything to do with it, because it is great.” She said she explained the opportunity and the hard work ahead to her children. “One day, this is going to be yours. If it wasn’t for the kids, things would be different. You know what I mean? I said, this is for you guys. You know? Everything I do is for them.” Dustin Cooper echoed his wife’s sentiments, saying he is thankful to God and to Habitat for the opportunities that this will provide for their family. 

Habitat allows future homeowners to build “sweat equity” alongside their friends and neighbors. That was certainly the case this morning, as the Coopers and volunteers prepared for their first of many building sessions. Prepared for a long work day, first-time volunteer Jonathan Hasan fulfilled a long-standing desire to serve with Habitat by joining in the build. Anthony Tarullo, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Dubois County, said that the organization really excels at bringing the Rotarian value of “service above self” to all they do. 

Among the numerous volunteers and supporters were Senator Daryl Schmitt and State Representative candidate Amy Kippenbrock. Both spoke about the importance of organizations like Habitat and grassroots efforts, with Schmitt saying, “People in general in rural Indiana, we’re jack of all trades and masters of most. So I really don’t care – whatever job is fine. I’m happy to do them all.” 

Construction manager Jeremy Foxen has been with the organization for 13 years. He told WITZ, “I enjoy helping, working with the different volunteers, and teaching these new people different skills that people don’t have, they’re afraid to try sometimes. So coming out here, we can teach you. You can know nothing, and you want to learn something, we’ll let you learn.” Although working with varying levels of experience could be challenging, Foxen doesn’t see it that way. He said that people need to remember that there is always something that they can contribute, and that everything helps. He also said that while it wouldn’t be easy, the group could build more than one house with simultaneous builds on adjacent lots. With careful planning, lots of volunteers, and possibly integrating school programs, the impact on the community could be even greater. 

Habitat fundraisers help to finance home builds like these. Their upcoming “Hammer and Ales” event will be October 15 at 5:30 pm at the Sisters of St. Benedict Event Hall in Ferdinand. It will feature beer, pizza, wings, silent auction, half-pot, trivia, and entertainment. Tables of 6 are available for $250, or individual tickets can be purchased for $50. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. 

The Habitat Restore is also a valuable resource for the organization’s funding efforts. New and gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, and home accessories are donated to the store and then sold to the public below their retail value. Proceeds are then used to fund their work in the community, including the new Cooper home. 

For more information on Habitat, visit www.duboishabitat.org 

 - Drew Hasselbring