22-03-2025
O'Fallon had abandoned property on its hands. Habitat for Humanity found use for it
Habitat for Humanity has acquired a city lot where a condemned house had been demolished to build a new home, its 12th in O'Fallon.
After the property at 513 E. Washington had fallen into disrepair, the city took over, tore down the house, and maintained the lot over the past several years.
As it has worked with the city on obtaining available property, Habit for Humanity's Lewis and Clark affiliate, proposed a purchase, and the city agreed. At the March 17 O'Fallon City Council meeting, Mayor Herb Roach signed a quit claim deed after aldermen approved it.
Ward 3 Aldermen Jim Campbell and Andrea Fohne, who work with the group, abstained from the vote, and the resolution passed 11-0.
City Attorney Todd Fleming determined by law that the city could sell it to the nonprofit organization for $1,000.
The city has previously sold lots to the group before. In 2017, they sold one on Elm Street. In 2021, they sold three properties on Booster Road at 112, 126 and 132.
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide decent places to live for every man, woman, and child – and work in communities across all 50 U.S. states and 70 countries.
With its ecumenical Christian ministry component, they welcome support from all backgrounds. People come together in a common cause to help break down barriers and generate equity, respect, and lasting change, Campbell said.
The local group has been active since 2013 in what they describe as a community effort. Funds collected through donations and fundraisers are used to build the homes. The group receives discounts and donations for supplies from many businesses, and churches, civic organizations, and individuals have pitched in too.
The local chapter has built 11 homes with the goal of providing 'hard-working families a stable and safe environment,' he said.
Habitat for Humanity of Illinois has an open-door policy, which states: 'All who believe that everyone needs a decent, affordable place to live are welcome to help with the work, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, political views or any of the other distinctions that too often divide people.'
Lloyd Soeters, the local construction chair, has said before: 'It's really God's work, but it's our hands. It's an entire community effort. When you see the families be successful, see them smile, it's worth it. We get to know them pretty well. We're helping people who want to help themselves.'
Campbell, a retired hospital administrator, said the homeowners are selected in an open application process and must meet criteria, including need, ability to pay and willingness to partner.
The homeownership journey includes financial classes and completing 200 hours of sweat equity – working alongside construction volunteers to build their future home, at the ReStore and in the community.
Each qualified Habitat partner family is a first-time homebuyer with a demonstrated need for affordable housing. To be considered, they must attend a one-hour orientation meeting.
In addition to making affordable monthly mortgage payments, partner families are responsible for the down payment, which provides the foundation for their future stability.
The O'Fallon Area Habitat for Humanity is now accepting applications for potential homeowners – construction is scheduled to start in the summer of 2025.
One must attend a 1-hour information session to receive an application and be considered for the program. They are planned for Wednesday, March 26, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, March 29, at 10 a.m., both at St. Clare Catholic Church, 1411 Cross St.
For more information or to RSVP, email Karen at kshees@ or call 618-670-6632.
