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Having served Winchester and elsewhere since 1992, Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties has been a strong community partner. 

The organization will now have a new professional take the lead. 

Mary Jo Hatchett has been named executive director of the organization. 

“I am completely humbled and honored to be asked to be in this position”, she said. 

As stated on its website, https://www.hfhmcc.org, Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties “work[s] side by side with hardworking local families who invest their time and energy to build and purchase a home of their own.” 

As such, the 501(c)(3) plays a large role in reducing affordable housing challenges, utilizing – among others – many community volunteers and donors. 

“They’ve [built] over 140 homes, and this year are getting ready to do two new builds, and we’re currently working on [more],” Hatchett said.  

Hatchett – who heard about the opportunity through a friend – had previous experience working with Habitat for Humanity. 

“A year ago, I mentored someone who got one of the homes on Lincoln [Street],” she said. “I had helped someone apply for that home, and she actually was chosen…I mentored her through the whole building process. 

Yet her career in housing goes back approximately 15 years. 

“I worked at Clark County Homeless Coalition for about four years, and then I worked in Clark County Community Services, where I was a Housing Coordinator for eight years,” she said. 

Hatchett already sees a timely need for affordable housing. 

“The prices have just escalated, especially here recently,” she said. “Families can’t really afford to pay rent, let alone a mortgage.” 

As a result, factors such as coming up with down payments have been a cause for concern. 

However, there’s much room for hope. 

“Habitat [for Humanity] has created just an incredible [opportunity] here by using volunteers and donations to build the homes,” she said. “We have a lot of services donated. They get their loan through…at a zero percent interest…It makes their house payments affordable.” 

In addition, “we just got word from the city of Winchester that they are deeding us five more lots on the other side of Lincoln Street.” 

Habitat for Humanity ReStores, nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers, are also advantageous.. 

Looking toward the future, plans have been made to continue positive growth, as – among other points – a Volunteer Services Manager was newly hired. 

Hatchett mentioned that there is much reason for excitement. 

“Habitat took a little bit of a hiatus on the building last year, so I’m really excited that this year we’re going to start building again,” she said.