2026 Annual Report
from our CEO
For 40 years, Habitat GFW has been building homes, communities, and hope in our community. As we continue celebrating this milestone, I’m reminded that the work we do reaches far beyond the walls of a house.
Affordable homeownership empowers parents, creates new opportunities and stability for children, and builds stronger neighborhoods for all of us. When families have a safe, affordable place to call home, they’re able to invest in their futures and create lasting stability that will impact generations.
As the need for affordable homeownership continues to grow, so does our commitment to meeting that need. Through continuing to seek out creative partnerships and piloting a Critical Repair Program this past year, we are now halfway to our goal of serving 1,000 families within the next eight years.
Thank you to our staff, donors, volunteers, and community partners for being part of this mission and making affordable homeownership opportunities possible. Together, we are laying the foundation for the next 40 years of impact.
Melissa McKown
CEO, Habitat GFW
Celebrating 40 Years at Habitat GFW
our mission
We seek to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
our vision
A world where everyone has a decent, affordable place to live.
How We Serve
Homebuilder
Our Construction team, volunteer Crew Leads, and community volunteers build homes for low- to middle-income families.
Homeowner Advocacy
Our Homeowner Services team walks alongside qualified families through a holistic home-buying process.
Retail Store
The Habitat ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that serves our community through discounted products and sales support building Habitat homes.
Click on a section below to read the report
Board of Directors
Dr. Karl Einolf, Chair
President, Indiana Tech
Mike Niezer, Vice Chair
Partner & Director of Operations, Design Collaborative
Mark Dely, Secretary
Chief Legal & Administration Officer, Vera Bradley
Chanda Blair, Treasurer
Director, DWD CPAs & Advisors
Tyler Binkley
President & Managing Broker, Acadia Commercial
Gabe Brown
VP of Sales & Special Markets, Brotherhood Works
JJ Foster
AVP & CRA Mortgage Loan Officer, Lake City Bank
Ryan Schiltz
Chief Lending Officer, 3Rivers FCU
Matt Streicher
VP of Project Development, Tippmann Construction
Joyce Walz
Community Volunteer
Chris Wesner
VP of Client Engagement, Shambaugh & Son
Michael Zadylak
Divisional Merchandise Manager, Do It Best
New in 2026
Brandon Almas
Attorney, Brotherhood Mutual
Brian Winters
Director of Safety, Steel Dynamics Long Products Group
Erika Halliwill
Market Director – Wealth | Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Wealth Management
Austin Glenn
Development Asset Manager, Oakmont Development Co.
Leadership
Melissa McKown
CEO
Jennifer Vanderpool
COO
Josh Seder
CFO
Hailie Boes
Director of Development
Lauren McCammon
Director of Homeowner Services
Nathan Ainslie
ReStore General Manager