The Hometown Treasure August 2013 | Page 35

Changes In Store For LCHFH During its almost 20-year existence, LaGrange County Habitat for Humanity (LCHFH) has partnered with LaGrange County families in need via two programs. Twenty-two families have been part of the new home construction program, and five have participated in A Brush with Kindness— a repair program for home owners. This summer, LCHFH will begin a new venture: total restoration of an existing home under the umbrella of The Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative. Located in Howe, this home will be rehabilitated with partner Bill Dingley. Instead of a hammer and saw, the first tools used here may be a crowbar and sledgehammer. The 1700 sq. ft. home has 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, a size large enough to accommodate the four children in the Dingley family. LCHFH estimates that the renovations may cost $50-55,000. Renovation tasks could include moving walls, replacing the heating system and roof, installing new windows, rewiring, and updating the plumbing. When finished, the house, which will meet current LCHFH ”green” building standards, will be sold to the Dingley family at a 0% loan. The home was purchased from The Howe School. Mont Arnold, LCHFH executive Director, networked with George Douglass, school superintendent at a LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce meeting. Negotiations were then facilitated with Kevin Bouma, business manager, who indicated that other houses might be avail- able for purchase from the school at a future date. LCHFH will continue to serve area families in need through its 3 programs: New Home Construction, A Brush with Kindness, and The Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative. LaGrange County Habitat for Humanity will hold its 18th Annual Benefit Auction on Friday, August 2 at the Shipshewana Auction Barn. The event, which begins at 3:30 pm, will feature an auction of locally crafted furniture and quilts, tools, a queen buggy, a certificate board, and many miscellaneous items. In addition, a haystack dinner will begin at 4:00 pm, and other food items will be available: baked items, canned beef, 4-H beef and port, homemade ice cream, and fried pies. Where You Find Exceptional Savings 1265 N SR 5 • Shipshewana, IN 46565 • Located on SR 5, just south of the World Famous Shipshewana Flea Market! Mon. - Fri. 7:30am - 5:30pm • Sat. 7:30am - 4:00pm • Closed Sun. Bulk Foods for Every Day Use! Cold Cut Meats: Ham, Turkey Breasts, Roast Beef 75 Kinds of Cheese: Co-Jack, Muenster, Swiss, Cheddar, American, Colby, Pepper Jack, Many More! Milk, Eggs, Homestyle Noodles - made at E&S Sales! Baking: Spices, Nuts, Flour, Sugar, Cake Decorations, Dried Grain, Jams & Jellies, Snacks, Coffee Beans & much more! We have lots of produce, frozen fruit, ice-cream, fudge & beautiful hanging baskets! The Hometown Treasure · August ‘13 · pg 33