KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation have pledged $150,000 to support Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County (HFHSJC) in launching its new Homeownership Training Center and office. The newly renovated facility, a former medical building in Mishawaka, will be twice the size of HFHSJC's current space, providing ample room for organizational expansion and an increase in mission-driven services.
Over the next three years, HFHSJC plans to:
Serve 3,000 individuals at the new Homeownership Training Center, educating them about homeownership programs, Provide homeownership classes to around 95 families, covering topics such as construction and home maintenance, budgeting, life insurance, and estate planning, Use the facility for informational sessions, celebrations, and other events, partnering with local organizations with similar goals.
Additionally, HFHSJC will address Black homeownership disparities through its Advancing Black Homeownership (ABH) initiative. This program aims to educate the Northern Indiana community about the history of housing discrimination and ongoing inequities, and will create more opportunities for Black homeowners with home-building and roof repair/replacement projects.
By 2027, the organization intends to build 30 homes for Black families in St. Joseph County, providing an estimated 80 adults and children with access to stable, affordable housing who might otherwise be excluded from homeownership.
“KeyBank’s purpose is to help the communities we serve thrive, and accessibility to homeownership resources is a crucial element,” said Bhumika Norris, Northern Indiana KeyBank Market President while adding, “We are excited to partner with and support Habitat, helping to connect our community members to industry experts and resources in the homeownership arena. This partnership will not only strengthen our community, but it will lead to even greater stability and prosperity that our local families deserve.”
“KeyBank has been an engaged partner with Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County for years,” said Jim Williams, President and CEO of HFHSJC.
He went on to add, “We so appreciate their commitment to help address the housing affordability crisis in our community and their investment in our new Home Ownership Training Center. The positive impact of the financial and home ownership education families will receive will be felt for years to come.”