Indianapolis announced as 2010 Legacy Build host city

The Fuller Center for Housing of Central Indiana announced today that the City of Indianapolis has won its bid to become the "International Host City" of the second annual Millard Fuller Legacy Build (MFLB) 2010 initiative.

Read Fuller Center President David Snell’s BLOG about Tuesday’s event.

As part of the global home-building event, the Central Indiana covenant partner will construct ten new homes and rehabilitate 20 others in a near Southside Indianapolis neighborhood in just five days from Sept. 6-10, 2010. FCH Central Indiana will work in cooperation with "South East Neighborhood Development" (SEND) in Indiana.

Covenant Partners of the Fuller Center for Housing worldwide will be dedicating more than 100 homes as part of the MFLB 2010 event.

The press briefing took place this morning at the site where the MFLB 2010 project will be centered in one neighborhood—the 1100-1200 block of Saint Paul Street, Indianapolis, in the Fountain Square area. Several representatives from Fuller Center for Housing International, SEND and the People Helping People (PHP) Network were present at the groundbreaking ceremony, as well as Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.

SEND is a non-profit community development corporation created by neighbors to revitalize the area and to enhance the quality of life for its diverse spectrum of residents.

"[Indianapolis] is to be proud of earning this international designation as part of this project…we will be at the epicenter of what is truly a global initiative,” said City-County Councilor Jeff Cardwell.

Mayor Ballard expressed his pride for the city’s designation in the project, saying, "The Legacy Build promises to transform a neighborhood and it will lay the foundation for real change…change that all of us, as residents of our city, will be proud of. It will be filled with the presence of neighbors helping each other rebuild a part of our community for generations to come. This is much more than just building houses…it is about rebuilding families, a neighborhood and restoring hope."

Hundreds of volunteers from all across America and around the world are expected to participate in the week-long event honoring The Fuller Center for Housing and Habitat for Humanity’s late founder, Millard Fuller, and his vision of eliminating poverty housing worldwide.

In Indianapolis, The Millard Fuller Legacy Build will be kicked off with a bang on Saturday, Sept. 4th. Saturday will feature the Miracle Mile Parade, the theme of which will honor Fuller’s legacy and will be entitled "Making Miracles Come True." The day’s activities will also include a concert at Garfield Park entitled "America We Remember" followed by fireworks. On Sunday, Sept. 5th, a reception and kick-off celebration is scheduled for 3 p.m. with the first day of work to follow on Monday, Sept. 6th. The initiative will conclude on Friday, Sept. 10th with dedications of the homes at 3 p.m. followed by a celebration known as the "Passing of the Hammer" to the next host city for the 3rd annual Millard Fuller Legacy Build 2011.

In addition to remarks by Mayor Ballard and Councillor Cardwell, appearing at the news conference were Fuller Center president David Snell, Chuck Vogt, president of the local Covenant Partner – Fuller Center for Housing of Central Indiana, and Mark Stewart, president of the SEND.

Jay Height, executive director of Shepherd Community Center in Indianapolis said, "This is truly a gift that will make a difference for many families, for our neighborhood and for our city. These types of investments will bring about a lifetime of rewards. Shepherd Community Center is excited to be a part of joining with the Fuller Center for Housing in investing in families."

Stewart said SEND is receiving Neighborhood Stabilization Program dollars through the City of Indianapolis.

"Overall, we have been awarded approximately $4.5 million – a portion of which will be used on this project," Stewart said. "SEND is very excited to be partnering with the Fuller Center for Housing on the 2010 Millard Fuller Legacy Build. This part of our neighborhood has experienced severe disinvestment over the past 40 years and faces serious challenges. However, in partnership with the Fuller Center for Housing, we will lay the ground work for turning this neighborhood around and help to make it a safe and pleasant street where families are proud to call it home."

Snell said, "This is a wonderful program that benefits so many deserving people."

Snell added, "During his 33 years’ building houses, Millard Fuller helped 200,000 families, more than 1 million people, know the joy of having a decent home to call their own. It is a legacy that ought to be celebrated and built upon, and that’s just what we’ll do with the Millard Fuller Legacy Build. We are working to provide another 100 families around the world with a decent place to live."

To give financial support to the program, please make checks payable and mail to: The Fuller Center of Central Indiana, 5160 Clear Lake Ct., Carmel, IN 46033. Or click here to donate now.

Go here for more information about The Fuller Center of Central Indiana. To learn more about the Millard Fuller Legacy Build click here. You can find videos, photos and stories from the 2009 Legacy Build here.

Local news coverage about the announcement on Oct. 27, 2009:
WTHR-TV13 (watch video)
WIBC 93.1 FM