ROCHELLE — This year continues to be a whirlwind of activities for Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County as the organization looks ahead to what’s in store for 2019.

A little over a year ago Derek and April Price and family donned hard hats and with shovels in hand broke ground on a new home in Rochelle. The family of five moved into their three-bedroom home in May of this year.

HFHOC also rehabilitated a home in Polo and recently completed a Brush with Kindness project for a family in Hillcrest. Vanessa White-Broome, Executive Director, said the organization is grateful for all of the support given; the 2018 projects have benefited three families.

“We would like to express our thanks to all of our donors and supporters,” White-Broome said. “Those individuals continue to allow us to carry out our mission in helping those in our community who need decent, affordable housing.”

White-Broome explained the Hillcrest project involved tree removal, extensive yard work, new gutters, pressure washing and improvements to a wheelchair ramp.

The organization is looking forward to not only providing more new homes for families, but also assisting homeowners with needed projects.

“In these Brush with Kindness programs we partner with families who own their home but because of circumstances, need assistance in resolving repairs such as roofs and accessibility issues,” she said. “We anticipate serving more Ogle County families in 2019 as we utilize lots donated to us in the Rochelle area. We are also very excited to begin identifying more individuals that might benefit from our Brush with Kindness program or who might qualify to become future homeowners.”

Changing lives

Since 2002, HFHOC has built 12 new three-bedroom homes in Mt. Morris, Oregon, Byron, Polo, Forreston and Rochelle as well as investing in the communities with the Brush with Kindness program. 

White-Broome said the organization remains committed to helping families with their housing needs. Historically the new home builds have ranged between $80,000 and $90,000 and with no-interest loans it gives families the affordability to own their own home. 

“Our goal remains serving lower income, working families in order to break the cycle of poverty and poor living conditions. Building strength, stability and self-reliance through homeownership can make a huge difference to families in need,” White-Broome said. “Our programs are a ‘hands up, not a hand out’ and partner mortgage funds are reinvested to build more homes and assist us in serving more families.”

About Habitat for Humanity

HFH International is a nonprofit, Christian housing ministry with more than 1,400 local affiliates in the U.S. and more than 70 national organizations around the world. Since 1976 they have helped to build or repair more than 800,000 houses and serve more than 6.8 million people worldwide.

Through “sweat equity,” the future homeowner works alongside the volunteers in the house in many phases of the project including cleaning the build site, working on their home or a home for another family, or even assisting in administrative duties.

White-Broome and HFHOC members are planning for their annual prime rib dinner at the First Presbyterian Church on Friday, April 26 at 5:30, which helps raise additional funds for projects.

“We are committed to serve more families who need help in securing decent housing. By working together we can assist more Habitat homeowners to achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families in Ogle County,” White Broome added. “With your help we can accomplish this again in 2019!”

For more information or to inquire about Habitat’s CARS for Homes program please contact Vanessa White-Broome at 815-440-6598. To make a cash or in-kind donation send to PO Box 306, Ashton, IL 61006; payable to Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County. Habitat’s CARS for Homes program accepts vehicles, boats, RV, and motorcycle donations.