By: Sheena Peters—
Muncie, IN– Vectren Foundation recently awarded $225,000 to Muncie Habitat for Humanity over the next three years in order to help serve an additional 70 families with housing needs in Muncie, Indiana. These funds will help expand Muncie Habitat for Humanity’s home repair services and their staffing capacity in order for the organization to respond to community housing needs more comprehensively. Muncie Habitat for Humanity will begin a new Critical Home Repair Program focused in the 8 Twelve target area of Muncie (which includes South Central and Thomas Park/Avondale neighborhoods).
“We are thrilled to have found such a great partner in Vectren Foundation. Their investment in our organization will allow us to serve more families and have a greater impact in our concentrated neighborhood revitalization area—the 8 Twelve focus area,” said Lindsey Arthur, CEO. Muncie Habitat for Humanity and Vectren Foundation worked together to determine which at-risk area of Muncie would be the focus of their collective neighborhood revitalization efforts.
Tom Moore, Vectren Foundation Community Engagement manager, believes this funding will be particularly beneficial for Muncie. “This grant is a win for both Vectren and Muncie Habitat, and for the community. More families will be able to receive help with needed home repairs, which benefits the whole neighborhood as well.”
The 8 Twelve Coalition is comprised of residents, non-profits and businesses working to revitalize the 8 Twelve target area bordered by 8th Street, Memorial Drive, Perkins Avenue, and Madison Street in Muncie, Indiana. Vectren and Muncie Habitat for Humanity both serve to help convene and guide the coalition and its work. The 8 Twelve Coalition, which includes residents, developed a comprehensive quality of life plan for the target area in 2016 which focuses on improving housing, beautifying the neighborhood, supporting local businesses, and coordination of services in the target area. Over a half a million dollars was invested in the 8 Twelve target area in 2016 alone, improving 29 homes in the area and completing two major community projects – a pocket park and a community garden.
About 8 Twelve Coalition
The 8 Twelve Coalition is a group of residents and community organizations that are coming together to inspire each other to promote a vibrant, authentic, friendly, and diverse community that is safe, family oriented, and provides opportunities for youth and adults to pursue their dreams.
About Vectren Foundation
Vectren Corporation, a progressive energy holding company headquartered in Evansville, Ind., delivers gas and/or electricity to more than 1 million customers in Indiana and west central Ohio. The Vectren Foundation strives to become a community catalyst in our communities – leveraging everyday opportunities to achieve extraordinary outcomes. Vectren seeks to form strategic partnerships and implement holistic revitalization processes in stressed neighborhoods. The Foundation provides funding for nearly 400 nonprofit organizations throughout its service territory.
About Muncie Habitat for Humanity
Greater Muncie, Indiana Habitat for Humanity is committed to offering low-income families decent, affordable housing and the skills to become successful homeowners. Habitat achieves its mission by leveraging community resources through a variety of volunteer partnerships. Muncie Habitat has convened the 8 Twelve coalition in support of their Neighborhood Revitlization strategic plan goal. This Neighborhood Revitilization work is being supported by Habitat for Humanity Inernational, Vectren Foundation and Lowe’s Corporation.
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