Habitat for Humanity renovates a home

Good News Habitat for Humanity has pivoted in recent years to renovate existing homes that need some tender loving care instead of building anew.

The organization restored one Richmond home, 523 S. 11th St. in 2025, and a young family now lives there. That property happens to be near Habitat’s office at 1114 S. F St.

Staff say that providing affordable homes offers self-reliance, dignity and stability for families and the community. However, more support is needed to make additional renovations possible.

Currently, Habitat is renovating and doubling the size of 910 Sheridan St. in 2026, according to Amy LaFuze, executive assistant.

The two-bedroom, one-bath house will soon have three bedrooms and two bathrooms. A mother and her two children are scheduled to move in when the home is completed, likely this spring.

The Richmond-based affiliate has built and renovated 110 homes since 1990. It merged with Randolph County Habitat for Humanity in 2014, and expanded its service area to include Union County at that time. Dan Groth is executive director. Board members are Renee Miller, Jason Wise, Michael Fleenor and Jim Harvey.

The national organization was founded in 1976. A couple went to a faith-based farm to repair their marriage. They were inspired to build houses after assisting those in shacks with no running water or electricity.

How to help

Good News Habitat welcomes help through volunteering, donations and in-kind support. 

Volunteers of all skill levels are needed on construction sites, with supervision and training provided, as well as for office tasks such as filing, data entry and event planning.

Additional volunteers can support partner families with budgeting, home maintenance and community connections. 

Volunteering helps keep homes affordable, with about 3,000 volunteer hours contributed per house. Financial gifts, construction supplies, and donations of gently used furniture, home goods and appliances are also accepted. 

Details and applications are available at goodnewshabitat.org/volunteer; for donations, learn more about what items are accepted or schedule a dropoff by calling 765-962-5986.

Who qualifies?

Enrollment for prospective homeowners is currently closed.

When applications become available, if current income guidelines are in effect, a single person would need to make between $15,650 and $31,320 to qualify for a home. Applicants must have enough income toward the home’s mortgage, utilities and maintenance. They’re sold with no interest charge unless required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If selected, the buyer needs to make a 1% down payment and the first year’s homeowners’ insurance in advance, along with some closing costs.

Applicants’ income numbers increase as household sizes grow: A family of two would need to make between $17,900 and $35,760; three, $20,150 to $40,260; four, $22,350 to $44,700; five, $24,950 to $48,300; six, $25,150 to $51,900.

In addition, each future homeowner must be willing to complete 250 sweat equity hours within a year and be willing to live where Habitat is building. Sweat equity includes home ownership classes, meeting with a budget partner, construction and community volunteering.

The first 50 hours must be completed by the applicant(s), but afterward, family and friends are welcome to participate.