Habitat’s 10th house under roof

Neighbors near the intersection of McGrain Street and Harrison Avenue in Corydon awoke Saturday morning to the sound of pounding hammers and electric saws as Habitat for Humanity of Harrison County volunteers began erecting its 10th house since 2003.
Workers started with a slab of concrete at the crack of dawn and had the house under roof shortly after 4 p.m.
For Habitat’s new executive director, Don Gossman, the outpouring of work from nearly 30 volunteers on site affirmed what he already knew: Harrison County is a giving community.
‘I think it’s a clear demonstration of the attitude of the community; the giving and caring attitude,’ he said. ‘The churches in particular in this community come together anytime you need help of this nature. I’m amazed at the number of people who step up.’
This was Gossman’s first house as executive director. He succeeds Ian Thomson, who recently stepped down from the position.
‘Quite frankly, I’d heard Ian was going to be leaving the position and my wife, Susan, has been very active in running the Habitat ReSALE store and she’s been a board member for several years, came off for a period and came back on the board,’ Gossman said. ‘I expressed an interest. I was looking for something in Harrison County to spend my time on.
‘Habitat is one of my passions,’ he said. ‘We all need things to do that are fulfilling and beneficial, and now that I don’t have to work every day to make a living, I can spend some meaningful time here.’
After volunteers worked for about 90 minutes Saturday, the noise stopped for just a few minutes as the house was blessed and a spiritual reading was made. Gossman thanked all of the volunteers, as well as Thomson, for their time and efforts toward Habitat.
Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people in need to build affordable housing. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. Volunteers provide most of the labor, and individual and corporate donors provide money and materials to build Habitat houses. Partner families ‘ those who have gone through a screening process to receive the homes ‘ are required to invest 400 hours of labor into building their homes and/or the homes of others. Their mortgage payments go into a revolving Fund for Humanity that is used to build more houses. Gossman said later that several applicants are still being screened for the house.
Another way Habitat receives funds is through the ReSALE Store, located along S.R. 337 NW in Corydon. The store, which is open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., sells gently used building materials, home furnishings and appliances.
‘We think we are only scratching the surface as to what we can accomplish,’ Habitat board chair John Daily said. ‘These funds will help Habitat continue to grow in Harrison County.’
Daily said two things are still needed from the community. First, additional volunteers are needed so the store can be open for more hours. Even if people can only work two- or three-hour shifts, they are welcome to volunteer.
‘We are also looking for volunteers to help dismantle cabinets that are donated,’ Daily said.
The second thing Daily is looking for are additional donated items. The ReSALE store accepts building materials, cabinets, doors, windows, appliances, furniture and almost anything except electronics such as televisions and computers.
To date, Gossman said, the store has raised more than $60,000 for Habitat for Humanity.
The phone number for the ReSALE store is 738-1008.