Champion for Community

John Barnett, Southern Illinois Region

Building homes and better futures

Commercial Relationship Manager John Barnett has always had a passion for building, and he is putting it to good use as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer. John first became involved with his local Habitat affiliate in 2006, when he joined the organization’s board. SInce that time, he has served as treasurer, fundraising chair and is currently the family selection chair. Says John, “Volunteering for Habitat has enabled me to help those who aren’t able to obtain financing from a traditional source. We place hardworking families into homes, often getting them out of dilapidated or uninhabitable housing, and into a safe, more energy efficient home. In many instances, it’s the first time they have actually taken steps toward home ownership.”

John notes that Carbondale’s Habitat affiliate has gone from building one house a year to two. They also have a goal of holding a blitz, when up to ten houses will be built in a neighborhood at one time. He strongly encourages others to get involved with Habitat. “As a nonprofit organization, Habitat is always in need of volunteers to help with physical labor, PR and fundraising,” he says. “People can find their nearest chapter at www.habitat.org.”

About Old National’s commitment to community he concludes, “Business will increase and decrease with time, but the effect we have on our communities through volunteerism will have a lasting impact.”

John's other volunteer activities:

• Southern Illinois Arthritis Walk
• 100 Men Who Cook (benefiting the Carbondale Boys & Girls Club)
• Rebuilding Together Carbondale