Rick Hahn and Trevor Loomis PHOTO BY STEPHANIE LABAFF

The ‘Home is Where the HeART Is’ fundraiser to benefit Indian River Habitat for Humanity was an evening filled with fine art and inspiring stories to support the objective of the nonprofit to provide affordable home ownership solutions for low-to-middle income families.

The impetus for the art-themed event at the Oak Harbor Club came from a generous donation of various paintings by Dale Risney, a former builder who appreciates the importance of homeownership.

Three of Risney’s donated paintings were featured in the silent auction alongside a selection of 27 other pieces by local artists curated by Liz Mayo of Artfully Managed.

Additionally, Jemal Hayes gave a live demonstration, with his painting later auctioned off.

“The dream of homeownership is about more than just a house. Affordable homeownership opens the door to a world of new opportunities,” said event emcee Cindy Goetz, before a video showcased the stories of families whose lives have been changed through Habitat’s homeownership and repair programs.

Highlighting the concept, board chair Rick Hahn had constructed miniature Habitat homes that graced tables as centerpieces.

“We build houses with people. And most of that’s through sweat equity,” said Hahn.

Since 1991, Habitat locally has built or renovated 526 houses and has repaired 689 homes, with an additional 108 repairs to veteran homes. Additionally, 1,665 post-secondary education and childcare scholarships have been awarded to homebuyers, homeowners, and their dependents.

“The need for what we’re doing now is greater than it’s ever been,” said Trevor Loomis, IR Habitat president and CEO.

Loomis said Indian River County is among the most expensive housing markets in the nation,with two-thirds of residents housing cost-burdened and median rents of $3,700 a month.

Homelessness increased 19 percent from 2022 to 2023.

“It is a serious issue here right now, and it’s not going to get any better without some serious, serious action. At Habitat, we are working to expand our programs, build more homes, and provide more repairs,” said Loomis.

“We’re creating opportunities for people to thrive, do better, and grow into all that God intends for their lives. How we do it is where the hammer hits the nail. It’s through building homes.Homes are not particularly special. It’s about the people that live in those homes,” said Loomis.

When basic needs for shelter, food, water, and love aren’t met, he said people fail to live up to their potential.

“That is why housing matters. When we have a housing crisis, it affects all of us,” said Loomis.

“We know that homeowners have better health outcomes and are more likely to save money and save for retirement. They’re more likely to vote and be involved in their community. Their children are going to be healthier, they’ll do better in school, more likely to go to college, and to own a home. That is why housing matters.”

IR Habitat has embarked on a five-year strategic plan to grow capacity, double the number of new homes produced annually, and provide 500 critical home repairs over five years.

For more information, visitIRCHabitat.org.

Photos by Stephanie LaBaff