County started its own Habitat affiliate

Twenty-five years ago this week, a local branch of a global organization was formed.

The Aug. 21, 1998, edition of The Commercial Review featured a story about the formation of Jay County’s Habitat for Humanity affiliate. Plans at that time were to build a new home in Dunkirk in June 1999 and offer it to a low-income family.

The formation of the group had started more than a year before when a group of local Methodists, including Fred Bailey, Pastor David Smitley and Barry Hudson got together to explore the possibility of starting its own branch of the ecumenical ministry.

Jay County had been a part of the Muncie District for several years, but had only one house built locally.

“When we learned Muncie was going to build only in Delaware County, we decided to look at forming ourselves,” said Bailey, the first president of the Jay County branch. “There are currently seven under construction in Muncie and there is a need in our county.”

That initial group got in contact with 64 Jay County churches for their support, leading to a steering committee being formed. The group spent months filling out paperwork and meeting requirements required to join the organization.

“The easy part is building the house,” said Duran Balyeat, who led the finance committee. “The tough part is staying in line (with Habitat’s guidelines).”

“Things have taken longer than we planned,” agreed Bailey.

Habitat for Humanity had formed in 1976 and required each homeowner family to invest 400 “sweat hours” into the construction of the new home.

Families were selected by the committee based on their need, willingness to partner with the organization and ability to repay the interest-free loan

The new Jay County branch was in the process of beginning fundraising for its first home.

“We will be accepting donations from anyone and everyone within the next few months,” Bailey said.