We are on hiatus.
WE NEED QUALIFIED BOARD MEMBERS willing to put in weeky hours before we take on a new build.
Build 13 although finished was our most costly and most complicated build yet. At the same time our board is aging like many other charity boards.
So what would it take to build again?
- Build 13 was a very expensive build. Due to COVID and elevated building costs and lack of help build 13 was 166% the cost of build 12. Prices are a big hold up but not a deal breaker.
- Without the help of the local building trades (who are no longer building) build 13 would have been built almost exclusively by our family and building manager. We need dedicated volunteers who we know will show up.
- Build 13 leaned heavily on the help of a general contractor. Sometimes a general contractor is needed for items requiring a certification but much of the work that was done could have been done with volunteer help. The board has decided this will not be allowed in future builds because it negates the goal of the build. We need dedicated volunteers who we know will show up.
- Our building manager retired after the build. His shoes will be hard to fill and it might even take multiple new board members to fill it. This person or these people combined would need to be willing to put in work most weekends and have the knowledge or combined knowledge it takes to build a house.
Is it time to throw in the towel?
Absolutely not, but who am I to say?
My name is Savannah Claussen Clark and I took over the Treasurer position in 2019 right before build 12 finished. I also built this website. I am thankful I got to see the process through with house 13 and I am confident we could see another build through with the items above checked off.
We have a few things going for us. I'm the youngest of the members and I am dedicated to riding this out, where ever it takes me for at least another 30-50 years. We have a dedicated board who has watched and helped with many builds and although most are not able to help directly with the heavy lifting they are wealth of information and most of all, our finances are stable and in a solid place to build again. Because of the nature of our program almost all of what we pay out comes back to us. We also have multiple lots to build on already.
Does it have to be in Japer County or Rensselaer?
No, we have helped other counties and built homes in other parts of Jasper County. We are open to expanding reach if it expands our pool of volunteers.
So where do you sign up?
Feel free to stop by and chat with me, Savannah. I work at Claussen Equipment and I am here from 7am to 4pm week days. If you would like to reach me by email you can fill out the volunteer form or text me at (219) 866-5811.
So what would it take to build again?
- Build 13 was a very expensive build. Due to COVID and elevated building costs and lack of help build 13 was 166% the cost of build 12. Prices are a big hold up but not a deal breaker.
- Without the help of the local building trades (who are no longer building) build 13 would have been built almost exclusively by our family and building manager. We need dedicated volunteers who we know will show up.
- Build 13 leaned heavily on the help of a general contractor. Sometimes a general contractor is needed for items requiring a certification but much of the work that was done could have been done with volunteer help. The board has decided this will not be allowed in future builds because it negates the goal of the build. We need dedicated volunteers who we know will show up.
- Our building manager retired after the build. His shoes will be hard to fill and it might even take multiple new board members to fill it. This person or these people combined would need to be willing to put in work most weekends and have the knowledge or combined knowledge it takes to build a house.
Is it time to throw in the towel?
Absolutely not, but who am I to say?
My name is Savannah Claussen Clark and I took over the Treasurer position in 2019 right before build 12 finished. I also built this website. I am thankful I got to see the process through with house 13 and I am confident we could see another build through with the items above checked off.
We have a few things going for us. I'm the youngest of the members and I am dedicated to riding this out, where ever it takes me for at least another 30-50 years. We have a dedicated board who has watched and helped with many builds and although most are not able to help directly with the heavy lifting they are wealth of information and most of all, our finances are stable and in a solid place to build again. Because of the nature of our program almost all of what we pay out comes back to us. We also have multiple lots to build on already.
Does it have to be in Japer County or Rensselaer?
No, we have helped other counties and built homes in other parts of Jasper County. We are open to expanding reach if it expands our pool of volunteers.
So where do you sign up?
Feel free to stop by and chat with me, Savannah. I work at Claussen Equipment and I am here from 7am to 4pm week days. If you would like to reach me by email you can fill out the volunteer form or text me at (219) 866-5811.
