Warrick County Awareness

WARRICK CO., IN (WFIE)- Seven local families were given keys to their new homes Sunday afternoon as seven Habitat homes were dedicated in Warrick County.

"It means everything to us. I just really, I don't think I can say enough to explain how much it means," said house recipient, Andy Smith.

For years, Habitat for Humanity of Warrick County has been helping families realize the dream of home ownership. Sunday afternoon, seven more families saw that dream become a reality.

"Today, we are here at Mallard Lake in Warrick County near Chandler and we're celebrating the dedication of seven homes for seven families who have built homes through our 'self-help' housing program," said Habitat Executive Director Amy Hobbs.

Hobbs says the organization's 'self help' program has produced fifty houses in Warrick County.

Every housing recipient in the program is required to help build their new home, through what they call, 'Sweat Equity'.

Smith says that requirement is well worth it.

"Lots of hard work. Hot, cold, rain, but it was all worth it," said Smith.

"For me, it's really, it's tough. This is my second one and I guess the hardest part about it is that I know my time with these guys is about up," said Habitat Construction Supervisor Toby Nelson.

Nelson says he is always happy to see families achieve their goal of owning a home, and that the construction effort is a bonding experience that makes all of those involved, feel like family.

"When you work with people every day, you know, and we sweat together, we bleed together, you know, we really create some deep bonds," said Nelson.

Both volunteers and home recipients continue to praise Habitat's efforts.

Smith says he is so grateful for what the program has done for his family, that he intends to pay it forward.

"If you come out next year while we're building, you'll see me out there. I can't say enough for programs like this," said Smith.

If you have questions or would like to help Habitat for Humanity of Warrick County Program, contact them at:

Habitat for Humanity of Warrick County, 10622 Telephone Road, Chandler, IN 47610

Phone: 812-858-3707

Fax: 812-858-3720

Email: wchh1@evansville.net

via 14wfie