Meet Mighty Moultrie

Community, creativity, and can-do spirit – you’ll find them in abundance at Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity. For three decades, the affiliate has served the cities of Sullivan, Lovington, and Bethany in Moultrie County, a largely agricultural area in east-central Illinois that is home to 14,526 people.

Moultrie Habitat has built thirty-seven homes to date and builds a new home each year. They are in the final stages of constructing twenty-three homes on a seven-acre parcel in Sullivan. Local company Agri-Fab donated the land, and Habitat Moultrie secured private donations to develop the infrastructure. They have built nineteen homes on the site so far and the twentieth is in progress. In the next few years, they will complete the final three homes on the parcel, as well as one home on a lot they own in Bethany.

Moultrie Habitat faces the same economic headwinds and societal shifts buffeting all affiliates, including rising costs and declining volunteerism. But thanks to the steadfast leadership of long-time Board President Gary Smith, Office Manager Holley White, and ReStore Manager Tara Reed, “Mighty Moultrie” continues to build.

As recruitment of local volunteers became more challenging, Moultrie Habitat turned to HFHI to secure Habitat Caravans. Largely composed of retirees from across the U.S., the caravans stay for two weeks or more, blending different areas of expertise, such as framing, siding, and trim, into a cohesive work unit. With the support of the caravans, Moultrie Habitat can complete a home in ten weeks.

While the affiliate originally connected with the caravans through HFHI, they quickly developed their own relationships with the groups, who return year after year because of the extraordinary local hospitality. “The community really embraces them,” said Gary.

Local churches play a crucial role, providing financial and operational support. Faith Lutheran Church in Sullivan offers the volunteers space for RV parking, access to a kitchen, showers, and washrooms, and an area to construct interior walls for transport to the build site. Others alternate leading daily morning devotions and hosting hearty home-cooked lunches for volunteers – with ample leftovers for dinner. Friendly rivalries occasionally emerge as to who makes the best meals, but Gary is quick to note that “they are all fantastic cooks!”

Another significant source of operational support is Moultrie Habitat’s ReStore, which grossed $312,000 in Fiscal Year 2026. Manager Tara Reed and her team have created an inviting retail environment that is a shopping destination in Sullivan. They recently hosted their eighth annual Christmas Open House, with a line of eager shoppers forming up to eight hours in advance for the opportunity to peruse a festive array of holiday décor and enjoy refreshments from the local SweeTeaz food truck.

Habitat Moultrie’s current construction costs are about $125,000 per house, and rising expenses are an on-going challenge. In addition to ReStore proceeds and church support, the affiliate relies on contributions from individuals and in-kind donations from local businesses to cover costs. On a recent visit to the affiliate, Habitat Illinois staff shared that state donation tax credits and third-party financing can be additional ways to support and expand their production.

Moultrie Habitat home buyers – like so many Habitat families – also are dealing with increasing costs for property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. To help keep housing payments affordable, Moultrie Habitat extended their mortgage terms from 25 to 30 years, and Habitat Illinois staff noted that the Habitat Illinois Building Impact (HIBI) program can offer downpayment grants to further assist with affordability.

On a sunny September Friday, as volunteers from Louisiana and Michigan capped off a productive shift at the build site with fellowship and food at Elim Springs Church, one could not help but be inspired. “Mighty Moultrie” exemplifies both Habitat’s adaptability and our enduring commitment to the power of community.