Dear Friends,
 
Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County's goal of building 34 houses in the next three years comes at a time when many in our local construction industry are fighting for survival. According to a recent report from the Indiana Builders Association on local new housing permits, the residential construction downturn is lingering. Total permits for new single-family residences (St. Joseph County/South Bend and Mishawaka) for the six months ending June 30 totaled 73. That compares with a total of 83 permits issued for the first six months of 2009. And 2009 saw the least amount of new home building in St. Joseph County since the end of the Depression Era. This makes Habitat's financial investment in our local construction industry even more important.
 
Many people think of non-profits like Habitat as "receivers" more than "givers;" but since 2005, Habitat has invested more than $2.5 million into our local economy. We buy our building supplies locally. We hire local plumbers, framers, roofers, electricians, brick layers, and concrete workers to supplement the work of our volunteers and construction staff. And each of our homeowners pays property taxes.
 
So when you support Habitat, you not only help a family, you help our entire community. Thank you for your support of Habitat. The impact of your investment is greater than you probably imagined.
 
Jim

Stock up on paint during the month of September! Buy one gallon, get the second 50 percent off at both the South Bend and the Mishawaka ReStores. Your discount will be taken at checkout. Some restrictions apply. See stores for details.

For information on either the South Bend or Mishawaka stores, click here.