Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana welcomes Wende Burbridge as new Director of Development, effective June 24, 2019. In announcing the appointment, Dawn Michaels, Executive Director, said “We are excited to welcome Wende to Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana and we look forward to her leadership as we work together continuing our mission of providing affordable housing in our community."
Previously, Wende has been Vice President of Development for Lakeshore Public Media, located in Merrillville, Indiana. She managed all fundraising operations, including building and maintaining community partnerships and corporate support, donor management and relations, grant proposals, and marketing. She also worked closely with volunteer committees focusing on special events. Wende is looking forward to working for Habitat for Humanity. “I have witnessed the positive impacts Habitat for Humanity has on the lives of its partner families, the excitement and caring of its volunteers, and the benefits to the communities it serves.”
As the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana formed in July 1986. As of today, Habitat has served over 100 homes in Lake County, Indiana. Building on donated land, with donated funds and constructed with volunteer labor, our mission is to provide affordable housing opportunities to those in need.
The Habitat ReStore opened in March 2005 at 6114 W. Ridge Road in Gary and helps to make the above and future building projects possible. There are currently over 1,000 Habitat ReStores throughout the United States. A Habitat ReStore is a retail outlet recycling overstocked, discontinued, new and used building materials, appliances and gently used home furnishings donated by manufacturers, store contractors and individuals. These donated items are sold at a fraction of normal prices to the public. All revenue from sales go to the local affiliate in support of its building program.