Habitat for Humanity of Knox County hasn’t built a home for a family in need since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the non-profit organization is still around.
In fact, they’re gearing up for a big 2025 that includes building a home, rehabbing another one, helping veterans, and potentially bringing a Habitat Re-Store to Galesburg.
Executive Director Emily Hayes said the organization has been in Knox County since 1991. They’ve spent the last few years re-grouping and organizing after the pandemic affected their volunteer base — and because the cost of building materials has skyrocketed.
But the hammers will be swinging again this year.
Hayes said they’ve already partnered with a family for the new build, and the rehab will get underway soon as well.
“So we’re kicking that off and I’m super excited about that,” she said. “Ultimately this year, two families will be placed in homes from Habitat for Humanity of Knox County.”
Hayes, who is in her third year with the organization, said funding comes from grants and local donations. They recently moved into a new office building at 808 S. Cedar St. that was donated to Habitat.
In addition to donations of funds, supplies, and even properties, Hayes said they need people to volunteer their time so they can meet the goal of building and rehabbing homes for Knox County families every year.
“Finding volunteers in the community is another kind of thing that we lacked for a while. But I think we're doing a great job of getting our name back out there and that we're needing volunteers,” she said.
Randy Wilson, member of the local Habitat board’s executive committee, first got involved when he was 19 and 20 and volunteered to help build a home.
“If you want to volunteer, you don't have to have special skills. You just have to be able to do something. Just have a mind that's willing to help and bring your hands with you so you can operate a hammer or something,” he said.
Wilson is heading up another local Habitat project. Habitat for Heroes helps veterans with home improvement projects.
“We've got a lot of veterans that are suffering. These folks that have gone and risked their lives for our country and they come back here and they're homeless or they've got some substantial challenges for their living situation, some pretty crucial repairs they need done to their home. Like they need a wheelchair ramp or something like that for accessibility. And they just don't have the funds for it,” he said.
Yet another Habitat project may be coming to Knox County. Habitat Re-Stores sell new and gently used construction materials, furniture, and appliances, with profits supporting local operations.
“There is a big need for it. We have calls for it all the time. But also it's going to just take the community to come together to get it done,” she said.
Hayes said everything the organization is doing in Knox County is about giving families a hand up.
“Not a hand out. That’s something that we're all the time encouraging our families to understand that we're not trying to give you a hand out,” she said. “We're trying to partner with you and actually give you a hand up on how to navigate home ownership.”
As Habitat for Humanity of Knox County gets ready to build again, the public is invited to a meet and greet from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28 at Orange Cup Side Hustle, 2701 E. Main St. in Galesburg.
People can meet board members, sign up to volunteer, and hear more about projects that are in the works.
Light refreshments will be available.
Hayes and Wilson said another way to help Habitat for Humanity of Knox County is to share their Facebook posts and spread the word that they are ready to build again.
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