STATEHOUSE (March 9, 2017) – State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) teamed up with Habitat for Humanity of Indiana and fellow lawmakers today to formally kick off the General Assembly’s first-ever home build on Statehouse grounds.
Wesco joined Habitat officials on the South lawn to announce the results of their fundraising and tool drive efforts. Total contributions raised topped $50,500 – far surpassing the initial $30,000 goal to pay for building materials. The additional donations will help provide training and support for Habitat’s affiliates in Indiana. Legislators and Statehouse staff also donated about $3,500 in new and used tools.
“It was a beautiful day on the Statehouse lawn where lawmakers and staff came together swinging hammers and building the structure of a home for a deserving family,” Wesco said. “I could not be more thankful for the opportunity to do hands-on work with a great team for a wonderful cause.”
In January, the Indiana General Assembly announced they were partnering with Habitat to build a home for a low-income family, generating awareness of the need for affordable housing. More than 160 volunteers including Statehouse staff and about 60 legislators are set to complete the construction of the wall panels today. The panels will then be transported to a home site in Indianapolis located near Eli Lilly. The completed home will be about 1,200 sq. ft. with three bedrooms and one full bath.
“Habitat is so pleased to have this opportunity to bring our work to the Statehouse for our legislators to experience,” said Habitat for Humanity of Indiana State Director Gina Leckron. “In Indiana, Habitat has 59 affiliates serving 75 counties who have built homes for 5,200 Hoosier families since 1984. Legislators now join the ranks of our thousands of volunteers that make this work happen every day. We are grateful for the partnership with the Indiana General Assembly in fighting poverty housing in our great state.”
Leckron said Habitat for Humanity builds over 210 homes annually across the state.
According to Wesco, Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County was founded in July 1986 and has built over 180 homes. Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County started building in 1987 and has served 428 families.
Habitat for Humanity of Indiana is a non-profit organization serving 75 counties. The organization sells homes with affordable, interest-free mortgages. To begin the application process, families must demonstrate their ability to pay a mortgage and manage their finances. Once a family is accepted into the program, they contribute sweat equity hours and attend homebuyer education classes.
Homeowners and construction volunteers build under trained supervision and contribute thousands of hours of labor to further reduce home building costs. Individuals, corporations, faith groups and others provide donations that make up the vital financial support needed to build these homes.
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State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21, which
includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
A high-resolution photo of Wesco can be downloaded by clicking here.
Note to the editor: Below and attached is a photo of State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) helping build a home with Habitat for Humanity next to the Statehouse on Wednesday, March 8, 2017.
