Lehman joins Indiana legislators to build first-ever Habitat for Humanity home at Statehouse

Along with constructing the wall panels for the home, legislators and Statehouse staff raised over $50,000 – far surpassing the initial $30,000 goal to pay for building materials.  The additional donations will help provide training for Habitat’s affiliates in Indiana.  Legislators and Statehouse staff also donated about $3,500 in new and used tools. 

“It was great to be outside swinging a hammer for a worthwhile cause and a deserving family,” Lehman said. “ We not only had a lot of fun partnering with Habitat, but we’ve also been able to make a difference for a mother and her daughter, and that’s what counts.” 

In January, the Indiana General Assembly announced they were partnering with Habitat to build a home for a low-income family, generating awareness of the need for affordable housing.  More than 160 volunteers including Statehouse staff and about 60 legislators volunteered in constructing the wall panels.  The panels were then transported to a home site in Indianapolis located near Eli Lilly.  The completed home will be about 1,200 sq.  ft.  with three bedrooms and one full bath. 

“Habitat is so pleased to have this opportunity to bring our work to the Statehouse for our legislators to experience,” said Habitat for Humanity of Indiana State Director Gina Leckron. “ In Indiana, Habitat has 59 affiliates serving 75 counties who have built homes for 5,200 Hoosier families since 1984.  Legislators now join the ranks of our thousands of volunteers that make this work happen every day.  We are grateful for the partnership with the Indiana General Assembly in fighting poverty housing in our great state.” 

Leckron said Habitat for Humanity builds over 210 homes annually across the state. 

Habitat for Humanity of Indiana is a non-profit organization serving 75 counties.  The organization sells homes with affordable, interest-free mortgages.  To begin the application process, families must demonstrate their ability to pay a mortgage and manage their finances.  Once a family is accepted into the program, they contribute sweat equity hours and attend homebuyer education classes. 

Homeowners and construction volunteers build under trained supervision and contribute thousands of hours of labor to further reduce home building costs.  Individuals, corporations, faith groups and others provide donations that make up the vital financial support needed to build these homes. 

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Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79, which includes all of Adams County and portions of Allen and Wells counties. 

Note to the editor: Below and attached is a photo of State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) helping build a home with Habitat for Humanity on Statehouse grounds on Wednesday, March 8, 2017.  A secure video can also be provided for media use with no attribution required.