Evansville (October 25, 2008) – Calbert Cheaney, former NBA player, was in town today to help build and dedicate a Habitat for Humanity home he is sponsoring at the New Haven subdivision, developed in response to a tornado that hit Evansville in 2005. While he installed the kitchen counter top, his children, Sydney, 7, and Julian, 8, worked on door knobs. His wife, Yvette, accompanied him as well.

“There are a lot of people out there who are struggling,” Cheaney told the crowd that gathered for the dedication. “If I and my family can do one small thing, that’s all that matters to us.”

Cheaney is sponsoring a home being built by students from the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation’s Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center. The school corporation is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to provide students the opportunity to learn skills in the construction trades. About 50 students have been participating in the build. (See pictures of the build and dedication by clicking here.)

Vince Bertram, EVSC superintendent, spoke at the dedication as well. He remarked about the importance of having exceptional role models, such as Cheaney, and he talked about the partnership between Habitat and the school corporation. In addition to the collaboration for this Habitat home, Habitat and EVSC are partnering on a revitalization project in the Glenwood area. Habitat has 20 lots in that area that it expects to build upon in 2010.

“There is nothing happening in our community that’s more exciting than the work of Habitat,” Bertram told the crowd.

This home is the fourth Good Sports Build Habitat home built this year. The Good Sports Build homes are sponsored by professional athletes from Evansville who continue to support the community through their philanthropic efforts. Bob and Brian Griese, Jerry Sloan and the Hot Stove League, a group of local sports enthusiasts, sponsored homes in 2008.

Each year, the Hot Stove League sponsors a Night of Memories to raise money for projects that support local youth. This year, proceeds from the event went to build a Habitat home.

“We are really fortunate to have in our tri-state area so many gifted athletes,” said Paul Gries, spokesperson for the Tri-State Hot Stove League. “I’m amazed at the character and the giving of the people involved with Habitat.”

About Habitat for Humanity of Evansville
Founded in 1984, Habitat for Humanity of Evansville is a nonprofit Christian ministry whose mission is to build and sell simple, decent houses to hardworking families in Vanderburgh and Posey counties. We partner with individuals, churches, businesses and civic organizations who share our vision to make adequate, affordable housing for all a matter of conscience and action.

To be eligible, families must have incomes at or below 60 percent of the area median income. They must have a need for housing, be willing to contribute 300 hours in sweat equity and have the ability to pay their mortgage based on a 25-year, no-interest loan.

For more information, go to www.evansvillehabitat.org or call (812) 423-5623.