SHELBYVILLE, IL. — There is an old Chinese proverb that goes: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap.  If you want happiness for a day, go fishing.  If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune.  If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”

The volunteers at Habitat for Humanity in Shelby County understand that proverb very well and many of them will be happy for a lifetime. 

Shelbyville resident Michelle Geer and her two daughters, Alana and Kylie certainly understand that proverb and will work to pass it on.

Geer was the recipient of Habitat for Humanity in Shelby County’s eighth house.  She and her family and friends completed the 200 hours of sweat equity  that is required by Habitat and gives the home owner a strong sense of participation and ownership.

“For the first time in my life I was able to have my entire family at my house for the Christmas holidays because my brand new beautiful Habitat home has enough room for the whole family,” said Geer.

Geer is quite naturally very happy with her new home located at 1009 W. S. 3rd Street in Shelbyville.  She was given the house keys to her new home at the House Blessing in June 2011.

“I will continue to stay active in the Habitat organizations because I understand what a difference they can make for a family,” continued Geer.

Geer and her daughters were living in subsidized low income housing prior to the Habitat house.

Habitat for Humanity in Shelby County Publicity Chairperson Elma Rincker said the organization plans to complete another house in 2012.

“We will be selecting our next partner family and building with them in 2012,” said Rincker.

Rincker said Habitat has received some applications for another house but would like to receive more applications.

“I want to stress to the public that we are a county wide organization,” continued Rincker.  “We would like to build outside of Shelbyville so I would encourage people from all over the county to fill out an application.”

You may pick up an application at Rincker’s store, which is Merle Norman Cosmetics at 144 East Main Street, Shelbyville.  You may also received an application from the chairperson of the Family Selection Committee, Susie Kensil.  Kensil may be reached by phone at 774-3121 during the day and 774-4557 in the evening. 

Rincker said the qualifications include making sufficient income so that the recipient can make mortgage payments of approximately $400 a month.  A person applying for a house must also live in sub-standard housing.

“There are a lot of factors that could make the place where the applicant is living considered sub-standard,” continued Rincker.

The applicant must also be willing to partner with Habitat and be able to perform the 200 sweat equity hours per person who is on the deed.

Rincker points out the eight houses Habitat for Humanity in Shelby County has built are now home for 32 people who live in standard, safe, simple housing.  Habitat was able to provide those eight houses because of the generosity of Shelby County residents.

One of the many examples of giving to Habitat is the Annual Dollar Day which this year will beheld on February 5, 2012.

“Of course, if a church would rather choose another day for this collection, that would be fine with us,” Rincker said.

She said another big fundraiser will be held on April 21 when Habitat will hold a Electronic Recycling Day.

“Starting January 1,  it will be illegal for any electronics to be placed in the landfill.  Vintage Tech Recycling made an agreement on the state level so therefore we can take advantage of it.  They will help with this and give us advise and take whatever we collect that day and pay us on a prorated basis.”

Rincker said the drop off point has not been decided yet for the public.

Rincker also reminds residents that Habitat for Humanity has a trailer at the County Market parking lot for collection of aluminum cans.

“Please aluminum cans ONLY.”

Jack Tynan another member of the Publicity Committee also reminds residents that Habitat is always looking for volunteers.

“We have a job for you in just about any area you feel comfortable in,” said Tynan.

Tynan said if you have a civic group or church group that would like to hear about Habitat, he or Rincker will arrange a speaker for your group.

Both Rincker and Tynan remind folks of Habitat for Humanity in Shelby County’s mission statement.

“A county where everyone has a decent place to live.”

Rincker said Habitat is always looking for donations to help their cause and if you would like to donate, you may send a check to P. O. Box 148, Shelbyville, IL 62565.