In early 2003, a meeting was held at the Rushville United Methodist Church to explore forming a Habitat for Humanity Chapter with Schuyler and Cass Counties combined. The decision was made to go forward with the combined chapter, as together the counties had the population that Habitat for Humanity International required. The not-for profit organization is entirely ran by volunteers. The organization was chartered December 8, 2003. The first board of directors was Debby Egbert, Patsy Barnhart, Janet Gabbert, John Rothfusz, Dan McClenning, Michelle Boston, Sylvia Herr, Ron Herr, David Natzke, Ron Peters, and Mickey Paul. Committees were formed, and God’s work was started.

Tony Watson of Beardstown was the first family to partner with the local Habitat affiliate. Ground was broken in April 30, 2005 for Tony’s one-story, two-bedroom home at 300 East Sixth Street in Beardstown. Volunteers were led in many hours of work by Dan McClenning and Brad Heaton. True to the Habitat philosophy, Tony worked alongside the volunteers to provide the “sweat equity” towards his mortgage. Tony moved into the house in November 13, 2005.

The second family selected to partner with Habitat was Terry & Ginny Large, and daughter Kaelea. Their one-story three-bedroom home is located at 5 East Avenue Court in Rushville. Many hours were volunteered by the community, with Rex Powell as construction supervisor. Terry & Ginny put in more “sweat equity” hours than required, and moved into their new home in July 9, 2007.

Brigitt Boyce and her daughters, Misty and Erika were selected for the third Habitat house. The dedication of their house was held July 10, 2009. Their one-story three-bedroom home is in Beardstown at 111 Clay Street. Brigitt helped build her house, exceeding the required number of “sweat equity” hours. Construction supervisors were David Snyder and Brad Heaton.

During the summer of 2010, the Habitat affiliate undertook housing renovation projects, which benefitted one family in Schuyler county and four families in Cass county. These projects ranged from replacing doors and windows to providing mobile home roof coating.

Habitat for Humanity of Cass and Schuyler Counties, Inc. continues as a vital part of the Schuyler County community, helping families improve their living situation one house at a time. The community has been very supportive of this relatively new organization. It is very rewarding to know that our organization has been a key factor in helping each of these families improve their housing situations with “giving them a hand up, not a handout.”