southsider2k5 Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 People like this don't deserve to walk the earth. Burglary could threaten group's next project Michigan City's Habitat for Humanity project has been the site of a string of burglaries that could jeopardize plans for the group's next project planned for August. The not-for-profit organization is working to construct a home at 420 N. Woodland Ave. It was burglarized Saturday, for the third time in two weeks. Previous burglaries happened on June 16 and June 22. On June 16, someone broke into the house and stole an $800 generator. During the next two burglaries, someone broke into the organization's equipment trailers at the site. Habitat for Humanity Administrative Assistant Joy Schmitt said the organization has lost all of its tools and equipment, a lot estimated at more than $4,000. "They wiped us out of all of our equipment," Schmitt said. "Everything we had that is a power tool is all gone." After the second incident, Habitat replaced their locks with ones that could not be sawed. That, however, did not stop thieves this past weekend. "They took a crowbar and just ripped the door off," Schmitt said. She said that while Habitat has insurance, she said it might not be enough to cover the loss. "This is so disheartening for the organization," Schmitt said. "It's very disappointing. It's not easy doing God's work." The organization was planning to break ground on a second house this summer. This would be the first time Habitat in Michigan City built two houses in a year. "With no tools and equipment that may not be possible," Schmitt said. "We're hoping the volunteers will loan us the power equipment and bring their equipment to the job site." Schmitt said the burglaries will not discourage them from continuing to build houses in the city. Ground was broken at the current site the first week in May. The LaPorte County Carpenter's Union framed the house on May 14. The organization hopes to dedicate the house by July 31. The owners of the house, a mother and father, have two young children. The house is the eighth built by Habitat for Humanity in Michigan City since the organization began operating here in 1992. If construction on a second house starts in August as planned, it will be at the corner of Greenwood and Woodland avenues. Most of the work on a Habitat house is done by volunteers, including members of local trade unions and 15 regular volunteers. Some work, like duct work is done by contractors. "All of our funding comes from donations," Schmitt said. "We can use volunteers to help at the site or any kind of donation." Habitat for Humanity is offering a $500 reward for any information leading to an arrest and conviction. To donate to Habitat for Humanity call them at (219)874-3830. Contact reporter Amanda Haverstick at [email protected]. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steff Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Agree Mike.. they don't. I called and made a donation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mreye Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 WTF is wrong with people. :headshake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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