Council approves Habitat for Humanity volunteer center as part of housing push in Mishawaka

The Mishawaka Common Council on Monday approved a use variance permitting Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County to build a volunteer training and operations center on McKinley Avenue.

Jim Williams, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County, told the council the facility will help the nonprofit recruit and train volunteers, allow some housing components to be built indoors year‑round, and support a campaign to raise roughly $24–30 million to build about 100 homes over the next five years in the region. Williams said Habitat plans to partner with local trades programs and colleges, including Ivy Tech and area high‑school building‑trades programs.

Williams said Habitat hosted a community meeting April 30 to present plans; he reported modest neighborhood attendance and outreach to the local school superintendent. Mayor Wood and others praised the project for its potential to increase affordable housing and generate regional volunteering opportunities.

The council voted to approve the resolution to allow the volunteer center, with no public opposition recorded at the hearing.

The approval allows Habitat to proceed with project planning and fundraising. Council members noted the project’s potential to expand local affordable‑housing capacity and workforce training opportunities.