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Earlier this summer, Mary Jo Hatchett was named executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties. 

Recently, she had a chance to speak to the Rotary Club of Winchester. 

“I’m just [going to] kind of give you a little background because a lot of people [say to] me, ‘Oh, here are the people that build houses’, and yes we are…but most people think that we build houses and then [just] give them away and that is not at all true,” she said. 

According to its website, Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – has worked diligently toward “building hope in Richmond, Berea, and Winchester since 1992.” 

Core to its beliefs are the fact that wise and effective financial stewardship, careful and considerate planning, and community involvement play a beneficial role. 

Hatchett clarified what some of the guidelines are for families that apply for a Habitat for Humanity home. 

“They have to be financially secure. They have to have some sort of income for at least three years..and they have to fit within those income guidelines,” she said. “They go through a really, really thorough screening. Our biggest thing is we just don’t want to get somebody into a home that then they can’t afford.” 

To improve prospects, Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties offers solutions. 

“What makes it so affordable is…you could consider [Habitat] kind of a mortgage company as well as a builder,” Hatchett added. “We are able to loan our homeowner the money for their home at 0% interest…our philosophy is we just want safe, decent, affordable housing for all.” 

Addressing the fact that homelessness is an issue, Hatchett further elaborated on the benefits of utilizing Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties. 

“This provides [for] families that normally wouldn’t be able to purchase a home,” she said. “They have to have $1500 as a down payment which we help them save, and we work with them through the whole process.” 

In addition to building homes, the organization – which is international – showcases a home repair program titled “A Brush with Kindness”. 

The program has worked locally with the likes of Shannon Cox and the summer work camp hosted by Group Mission Trips.

“They are doing amazing things, so we really actually want to team up more next year and try to get more volunteers out there to work with the kids,” Hatchett said. 

Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties is also involved with recycled homes, emphasizes sweat equity, and – thanks to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore location found on Bypass Road – provides both a home improvement store and a donation center. 

Currently, the organization continues its work in the community.

“We can go from little projects to big projects,” Hatchett added. “I’m sure you all are familiar with Lincoln Street. We built on the whole one side, and then [on] the whole next side…the city just deeded us those five lots…we’re going to be building five more homes, which is huge for Winchester.” 

Future plans include hiring a construction manager, furthering the positive cause of Habitat for Humanities of Madison and Clark Counties. 

The organization also welcomes different volunteers. 

“If anyone is ever interested, we always use volunteers in any capacity,” Hatchett said.