With Karwick Village construction well underway and the framework for our resident selection process being solidified, before we know it, individuals will be living at Karwick Village in La Porte County’s first cooperative, affordable community. This also means that while foundations have been poured and units framed out, we still have quite a bit of ground to cover before we welcome our first residents at Karwick Village. This is where gift-in-kind donations will make all the difference from our extended community.
What Are Gift-in-Kind Donations?
Gift-in-kind donations are contributions of goods, services, or expertise instead of funds. For housing nonprofits like ours, these donations can include everything from construction materials and appliances to professional services like plumbing or electrical work. Rather than purchasing these items or services with donated funds, we receive them directly from generous supporters.
Why Gift-in-Kind Donations Are Game-Changers
- Maximizing Your Impact: When you donate materials or services directly, 100% of your contribution goes toward building homes.
- Leveraging Your Expertise: Local contractors, suppliers, and skilled tradespeople can offer what they do best. An electrician’s donated labor is a tremendous gift to Karwick Village.
- Building Stronger Communities: Gift-in-kind donations create partnerships between businesses, skilled professionals, and housing organizations, like Homeward Bound Villages. These relationships can often extend beyond single projects, creating ongoing support networks for both partners.
- Tax Benefits: Just like cash donations, gift-in-kind contributions are typically tax-deductible at fair market value, making them financially savvy for donors, too.
The Ripple Effect
Every donated appliance, bag of concrete, or hour of skilled labor brings us closer to putting keys in the hands of individuals who need affordable housing. These gifts don’t just build structures; they build hope, stability, and stronger communities.
As we continue construction at Karwick Village, we’re reminded daily that creating affordable housing is truly a community effort. Gift-in-kind donations make it possible for people to contribute in ways that match their unique skills and resources, creating a network of support that’s as strong as the homes we’re building.
What We’re Looking For (July 2025)
- Interior paint
- LVT Flooring and/or installation
- Ceiling fans
- Locksets – interior and exterior
- Plumbing fixtures
- Landscaping materials and/or installation
- Kitchen Cabinets (these would need to be committed very soon)
Karwick Village currently has six 500 sq ft units. If a potential donor were to donate for 1-2 units, Homeward Bound Villages would gladly consider it, along with their quote for the rest.
Ready to make a difference? Whether you’re a contractor, supplier, or skilled professional, there are many ways your expertise can help build affordable housing in our community. Please contact us today at info@homewardboundvillages.org
