CCHA Law is excited each month to showcase organizations that improve the lives of our communities and those who live in them. We are proud to shine a light on this month’s organization, Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity, and the CCHA attorneys who actively volunteer their time to support the organization and their Women Build program, Jennifer Hughes and Liberty Roberts.

Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Their vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. The organization has provided homes for 800 local families since its start in 1987. As part of the larger Habitat for Humanity International, the Greater Indy affiliate serves Hancock, Hamilton, Hendricks, and Marion counties with ReStores in each of these counties.

Their “Why”

Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity recognizes that homeownership is an important part of breaking the cycle of poverty. Homeownership provides a stable quality of life for low-income families and individuals and impacts health and economic prosperity for families and the entire community.

The organization shares that In Indiana, 1 in 9 households spend half or more of their income on housing. In total, 45% of renters and 16% of homeowners are cost-burdened, paying more than 30% of their income on housing. Home values continue to increase faster than income, especially for workforce households, and the supply of affordable homes is dwindling. Of the top 50 U.S. cities, Indianapolis ranks 46th in economic mobility for the poorest residents.

Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity is working to transform lives and help families build generational wealth by increasing access to homeownership for low-income families and preserving affordable housing in our community.

Jenni Hughes with her team, Riveting Rosies, at a Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build.

About Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity Services

Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity focuses on building new homes and preserving homes so low-income Hoosiers can age in place. Through the help of donors and community support, volunteers construct new homes for local families that are affordable. Habitat homebuyers first go through an application process before they invest 200 hours of “sweat equity” by helping to build their own home and the homes of others. Affordable homeownership is possible despite rising construction costs through a 0% interest mortgage. Through Habitat University, the homeownership education program and financial counseling, Habitat homebuyers are given the tools to ensure continued success with their investment in a home.

To learn more about how to apply to become a Habitat homeowner, visit here.

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Libby Roberts pictured with her Women’s Build team, Guns and Hoses.

Their Vision

The regional vision of Habitat for Humanity is to:

• Increase housing solutions

• Expand and diversify housing product

• Broaden homeownership program opportunities

• Cultivate and deepen partnerships

• Engage and embolden advocates

• Leverage engagement regionally and internationally

Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity aspires to provide 300 housing solutions between 2022 - 2024 and to continue providing financial literacy to new homebuyers. The organization also launched its first-ever Homeowner Scholarship Program for Habitat homeowners and their children. Click here to read about the four awarded recipients and for updates on how to apply next year. Their vision is to continue refining their efforts to address expanding gaps in racial inequalities and the increased costs in both construction and land.

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Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved and support Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity. CCHA Law’s Jenni Hughes and Libby Roberts are involved with Women Build, one of Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity’s annual themed builds. Libby has been building for nine years with her team, Guns and Hoses, and Jenni has been involved for the past two years with her team, Riveting Rosies. Additional theme builds include Interfaith Build, Agriculture Build, and Global Village.

Additional ways to support the mission of increasing affordable housing in our community include:

• Making a gift

• Sponsoring a home

• Volunteering your time

• Joining the Indy Habitat Young Professionals group

• Joining the Tiger Team

• Shopping, donating, or volunteering at the ReStores

We encourage you to explore how you can support this deserving non-profit organization that is making a difference in Indianapolis and surrounding communities.