Habitat for Humanity continues to expand thriving Mishawaka subdivision

 

MISHAWAKA, Ind.-- Since 1987, Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County has built over 220 homes for families in need in our community.

In 2018, Jimmy and Roselyn Carter came to Mishawaka for the Annual Carter Work Project, creating The Fields at Highland subdivision.

"This is an awesome, awesome neighborhood," said Eliot Jeremiah, Director of Homeownership for Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County. "You walk around here, and you will see the families that are enjoying a neighborhood that they possibly wouldn't have had in any other area or where they were living previously."

Sixty percent of the homes in this Mishawaka subdivision are given to brand-new homeowners through Habitat.

The newest Habitat homeowner: Lyse Mahoro.

"I'm from Rwanda, it's a country in East Africa," Mahoro said. "I came to the U.S. in 2016."

Mahoro, a single mother of one, closed on her new home at The Fields at Highland Thursday.

"She started back earlier this year," Jeremiah said. "She had sweat equity hours that she had to complete. She actually worked on this house."

Jeremiah said over 40 families live in the subdivision, more than half through Habitat for Humanity.

"It means a lot for my family because now we have a shelter," Mahoro said.

The 40 percent who buy properties at market price, or as Habitat calls them, "fundraiser homes," help fund the other Habitat homes.

"Seeing everybody around, who helped me in this journey, who helped me spiritually, who helped me physically, who helped me financially. I was so happy for this end journey. I can't express my gratitude."  

Next week, one more family is closing on their home with habitat's famous key ceremony.

Jeremiah says the subdivision should be completed in the next couple of years.

Informational meetings for those interested in getting involved can be found below.