From its strategic planning process, Habitat developed key focus areas, including the main goal of preparing for the future so the organization will be in a better position to respond to the area’s unmet needs. The Growing Together campaign will allow us to invest in the people of Columbus by enlarging our capacity to build into the future.

The board has contracted with Dan Riley, who has managed many successful capital campaigns, to help embark on raising these funds.  His firm gauged community interest and support for a campaign and found that the region’s business and philanthropic community believed a $500,000 campaign and purchase of the next Habitat addition was “A no brainer,” said Dan.  He also found the project to be justifiable and has a certain urgency due to the community’s need and lack of affordable housing. 

Habitat for Humanity of Columbus is a financially stable organization with no debt.  The community generously supports the building of each house by providing the funds needed to build each house before breaking ground through donations, fundraiser support or gifts in kind.  All operating expenses are funded by the mortgage payments of the Habitat houses sold. 

The Growing Together Campaign goals are to fund: 

• The purchase of almost four acres of land in southwest Columbus near the former wooden shoe factory. 
• Completed a topography study to access sewer needs and a soil survey to ensure safe environmental factors of the property. 
• Placing electrical infrastructure underground for 18 future homes. 
• Completing all applicable storm, sewer and water infrastructure required by city code. 
• Installing a new street through the property off 41st Avenue. 
• Adding a necessary sewer line south on 41st Avenue. 
• Providing engineering, development and campaign costs. 

One major lead gift self-identified and was provided to start the campaign at $50,0000 toward the $500,000 campaign goal.