Grantee Spotlight: How Habitat for Humanity is Expanding Homeownership in Muncie
In some neighborhoods across Muncie, vacant lots and aging homes tell the story of a community once built on industry—and the challenges that followed when those industries left. For families, the lack of stable and affordable housing often means living with uncertainty.
Founded locally in 1986, Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity has spent nearly four decades working to change that story. As part of a national network—but deeply rooted in this community—Habitat partners with families to build and repair homes, strengthen neighborhoods, and create pathways to stability through homeownership.
Ball Brothers Foundation has long shared in that vision. In 2025, the foundation awarded $400,000 in operating support to Muncie Habitat for Humanity—continuing a decades-long funding partnership that has helped the organization expand its services and attract new funding partners. Altogether, BBF has invested more than $3.4 million in Habitat’s work since the early 1990s—an enduring commitment to stronger homes, stronger families, and stronger neighborhoods across Muncie.
In South Central and Thomas Park/Avondale, where Muncie Habitat has concentrated revitalization work over the past decade, residents have seen new homes built, existing homes repaired, and shared spaces like community gardens take root. Those early efforts created a model for change that Muncie Habitat has now expanded into the Industry neighborhood, where residents and volunteers are already working together to improve housing and quality of life.
Muncie Habitat has also launched readiness programs that prepare families for homeownership—whether through Habitat itself or other nonprofit partners—so more families can make the move toward stable housing. Together, these efforts have shaped connected neighborhoods across Muncie.
Since its start, Muncie Habitat has served more than 300 families, with 5-7 homes built each year and additional homes repaired through rehab projects. Families accepted into the program meet three criteria: a demonstrated need for housing, the ability to repay a zero-interest mortgage, and a willingness to partner with Muncie Habitat through what they call “sweat equity.”
Over 12–18 months, these partner families work alongside Muncie Habitat staff and volunteers, gaining skills, support, and confidence as they prepare for the responsibilities of homeownership. Volunteers are central to this work—every home is built with their hands, alongside Habitat’s crew and the partner families themselves. Their time and energy, combined with efficient building practices, modest house sizes, and no-profit loans, make it possible for low-income families to achieve the dream of owning a safe, affordable home.
As Kristin Freehill, Director of Community Engagement, notes, “Habitat exists to empower families in their dream of homeownership and invest in neighborhoods for the long term.”
This kind of long-term thinking has led to major milestones in recent years:
Rehabilitation of an old building into Habitat’s new headquarters, providing office space for staff and expanded year-round construction capacity.
Neighborhood revitalization work in South Central and Thomas Park/Avondale, including pocket parks and community gardens, created alongside residents and through coalitions like the 8 Twelve Coalition.
A $1 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, awarded in 2025 which will support the construction of ten new homes in Muncie over the next three years.
The combination of public and philanthropic support has doubled Muncie Habitat’s capacity and opened doors for more families to apply.
“Ball Brothers Foundation has been a terrific partner,” shared Lindsey Arthur, CEO of Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity. “Their multi-year funding has allowed us to operate more effectively and created opportunities for matching gifts—amplifying the impact of every dollar. Their support has been a true catalyst for innovation, and their partnership has opened doors to new funders, like the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis. We’re incredibly grateful for their commitment.”
Brandie’s Story
Some Habitat stories don’t end at move-in day—they grow into something much larger. Brandie’s is one of them.
Brandie became a Habitat homeowner in June 2021. But her journey didn’t stop with her house keys. The very next day, she was back at another building site, working alongside the volunteer crew. From there, she began leading crews herself, volunteering Fridays and Saturdays to help train new groups of builders.
Her leadership caught the eye of Muncie Habitat’s team, and in 2022 she was hired as a Construction Site Host, welcoming volunteers and offering support on build days. Drawing on her own experience as a Habitat homeowner, Brandie became a powerful voice for the organization, speaking at events like the Dream Builders Breakfast and on neighborhood bus tours.
Even as she gave back to others, she kept pursuing her own goals—graduating alongside her daughter in 2024 and stepping into leadership as president of the South Central Neighborhood Association. Today, she is also a proud grandmother and a respected staff member at Muncie Habitat.
Brandie’s story captures the heart of Habitat’s mission: when a family gains stability through homeownership, the impact ripples outward—touching neighbors, volunteers, and the entire community.
When Neighbors Unite, Communities Grow
As Muncie Habitat looks ahead to its 40th anniversary in 2026, the need for affordable housing remains urgent. Thanks to strong community support and dedicated volunteers, the organization is building at a pace—and a scale—that promises a brighter future for Muncie families.
There’s still work to be done, and every Habitat home depends on volunteers to swing hammers, paint walls, install siding, and more. Church groups, civic clubs, businesses, and individuals across Muncie have long been the backbone of each build. Volunteers will play a crucial role in helping Habitat reach its goal of completing ten new homes through the Federal Home Loan Bank grant over the next three years. If you’d like to get involved, please visit https://munciehabitat.org/get-involved/#ways-to-volunteer.