Sixteen community members, from different faith communities, gathered thirty years ago to discuss housing needs in our community; meetings that began and ended with prayer. The result of these prayerful meetings was the start of the incorporation process of Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity. The three individuals leading this process were President Barbara Dearing, Secretary Richard DePew and Treasurer Lisa Damron. By 1989, Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity officially incorporated with the vision to put God’s love into action to build homes, communities, and hope. The work began as a renovation project on 10 Douglas Street in Battle Creek. Following the initial project, over 120 homes have been renovated or newly constructed to provide homeownership opportunities for low-income individuals who, without Habitat's support, likely would not have had the chance to own a home. Homes were constructed or renovated in three municipalities of Calhoun County: Albion, Marshall, and Battle Creek. If fact, at one time Albion and Marshall had their own Habitat chapters, but eventually the three entities formed one Habitat Affiliate that would serve all of Calhoun County. In the year 2000, Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity opened one of the first ReStores in the country. The Restore sells mostly donated items that are either dropped off or picked up by the Restore staff. Items include furniture, household goods, construction items, cars, boats, books, and tools, among other things. Some purchased goods are also sold: mattresses, paint, and rugs. The idea behind the Restore is that it has and will generate income to cover administrative costs. That way, when someone donates financially to Habitat, all of the money can go directly toward building homes or ramps. Other community benefits from the Restore is that it keeps tons of used materials out of local landfills, and the public can buy gently used items at a reduced price compared to new. In the year 2012, the Habitat Restore, Office, and Construction storage area suffered a devastating fire. Habitat’s offices and Restore were moved to a location off of Beckley Road and the Construction department began working exclusively out of a warehouse across from the fire location. After a couple of years, Habitat purchased and renovated a new Restore location at 595 North Avenue, which is where it resides today. The former Women’s League building, located at 286 Capital Avenue, was donated for the administrative offices. Later, the administrative office joined the ReStore at 595 North Avenue location. A major component of Habitat’s work in Calhoun County is constructing handicap access ramps. Since 2018, Habitat has constructed over 250 ramps for those having difficulty entering and exiting their homes. With the construction of a ramp, residents with mobility limitations do not have to relocate and can continue to reside in their home. Ramp completion, is often met with much appreciation and gratitude from the family. Going out to doctor appointments and trips to the outdoors are no longer a huge burden. In 2024, Habitat and the Calhoun Area Career Center joined forces to train students in the construction trades while building a Habitat home. This partnership is a huge benefit to both parties. The Career Center Students get hands on experience building a home, which in turn, gives Habitat the opportunity to provide an extra home for a partner family. The hope is that, in the years to come, the Career Center will continue to build one home per year. In the next few years, Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity anticipates building an average of at least four homes per year. Even as we speak, there are many people applying for homes. It is a great challenge to keep up with the continuous needs for housing. However, as we trust in God for His help, provision, and wisdom, we will continue building simple, durable, and affordable homes so that everyone can have a decent place to live.