PRESIDENT JIM introduced Doug Taylor, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity. 
In the category of “little known facts”, Doug has pedaled his bike across the U.S. - twice. Habitat for Humanity has been in Lafayette for 31 years; built about 300 homes, made over 2,000 repairs for senior citizens; sent $700,000 to other countries for houses (Haiti); is one of 67 affiliates in Indiana and is the 3rd most productive in the state. Doug told several stories illustrating how Habitat has improved lives.
Habitat is expanding its focus. It is not just a house builder, but is becoming a neighborhood builder. The focus is resident driven. Habitat facilitates a conversation within the neighborhood and builds relationships.
The philosophy of the organization is to address a felt need. Good development is neighborhood resident leadership. They make aid asset based. They want to make sure external resources don’t take from the recipients. And they want to be involved with those who are helped. Relationships are sometimes more important than the house.