Knox Habitat for Humanity Home Nearly Complete Thanks to Dedicated Volunteers

Posted on February 2, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

The Habitat for Humanity Home in Knox is nearing completion, according to organization representative Carolla Heilstedt.

“We’ve got flooring and cabinetry in, paint is done. So our next phase is going to be light fixtures, which they’ve started on, the rest of the plumbing fixtures, the vanities and interior doors.”

Volunteers have been working on the home at 301 E Delaware Street since September. They meet from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday. They look for professional and amateur workers, and invite anyone interested in helping to show up to the site on those days.

She said they’re incredibly grateful to everyone in the community who assists. Heilstedt added that the assistance even extends beyond construction, with some local individuals and organizations providing meals for the volunteers.

She said Knox resident Hope McIntire should be able to move into the home by mid-February. Additional landscaping work will be tackled in the spring, once the weather breaks.

According to Heilstedt, Hope has done a great job putting in the “sweat equity” for the home, meaning that she’s been a part of the process of constructing her new residence. That is one of the requirements when someone signs up to receive a Habitat home.

She added that McIntire was proactive in making sure that she fit all the specified criteria for the home-build. Heilstedt encourages individuals to check out the Starke Pulaski Habitat for Humanity website in order to see the specifications.

Heilstedt said they typically do home-builds every other year due to the amount of resources and labor that it entails. She said that downtime will allow people to do their research and be prepared for the next project.

If you have any questions about the program or if you wish to inquire about donating meals or volunteering, call 574-896-2811.

Young Professionals Organize Volunteer Project

Posted on April 21, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

Members of the Starke County Young Professionals group are rolling up their sleeves for a good cause tomorrow.

They are meeting at the Starke County Chamber Depot at 400 North Heaton Street in Knox at 10 a.m. to volunteer for Starke-Pulaski Habitat for Humanity. Tomorrow they will stencil logos on Habitat’s trailer that will hopefully be ready for use on the upcoming home construction project on Prettyman Street in Knox.

Organizers say additional volunteers are always welcome. The informal group was formed several months ago in an effort to get input from more people on a vision for Starke County. The term “young” also has a loose definition, as it is considered to be anyone who is not retired.