ZPCBlog

ZPC MISSIONS MOMENT – Learn. Be inspired. Serve!

Habitat for Humanity of Boone County – the name might ring a bell but you may not know all the ways that you can serve, some without even raising a hammer! With it being their 40^th year of building homes, communities, and hope, it’s a great time to find out the different ways to serve, give, and celebrate.

The need for affordable housing in Boone County is great. Statistics show that 45% of renters in Boone County are cost burdened – paying more than 30% of their gross income to rent. Habitat for Humanity of Boone County (HFHBC) provides a hand up, not a hand out, by working alongside individuals and families in need of housing stability to make homeownership possible.

ZPC members Steve and Bobbi Rounds strongly support HFHBC’s vision of creating a world where everyone has a decent place to live. They first became involved 30-35 years ago by participating in ZPC house builds. They enjoyed the challenge of learning new things as well as spending time with others on the job sites, including meeting the new owners. When Steve retired approximately five years ago, he sought a way to serve more regularly. Because of their love for Habitat and what it stands for, HFHBC was the obvious choice. Steve committed to one day a week throughout the build season of late April to September or October. Bobbi soon followed, but decided to serve the same organization in a different manner; she became active at the Boone County Habitat ReStore, volunteering once a week.

ReStore is HFHBC’s non-profit home improvement store. Located just three miles south of ZPC, it sells donated new and gently used household items including appliances, cabinets, furniture, and building materials.

With the continued physical demands at the build sites, Steve eventually shifted to serving at ReStore as well. His focus is more in the back room servicing appliances, while Bobbi’s forte is out front interacting with customers. From parents with their college student looking for items for their first apartment to an older gentleman who comes to the store “just to talk,” the Rounds have found that there is a greater purpose to serving. Bobbi says, “My smallest effort to engage others in conversation can bring smiles, laughter, tears, frustration, or appreciation. Sometimes an opportunity to pray for a complete stranger or a coworker.” Steve adds, “The atmosphere at ReStore is conducive to that. Liz (Qua, Executive Director and member of ZPC) has set the tone there that this is what is important, so everyone knows that relationships with the people who come in or with whom you work are more important than selling somebody a couch.”

In addition to these volunteer opportunities, HFHBC is thrilled to have acquired 8 acres in Whitestown, IN. This land, called Grace Fields, will eventually become the first Habitat neighborhood in the Greater Indianapolis Area! ZPC’s house build this summer will be at this site. Follow this link for more information about Grace Fields as well as to financially donate: https://give.boonehabitat.org/campaigns/24302-grace-fields

How to Help
Volunteer
To get involved, please visit: www.boonehabitat.org/get-involved

Donations of good, clean, working items are appreciated. Please check the website at: www.boonehabitat.org/restore-donate-items for an extensive list of items that may be accepted.

Fundraiser on Saturday, March 9 – Be sure to join HFHBC as they celebrate 40 years of building homes, communities, and hope! More information may be found at: www.boonehabitat.org 

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