David English '72 Leading Putnam County's Habitat for Humanity

October 27, 2019

"A Bainbridge native who has been involved locally in various capacities over more than three decades, David L. English has an idea of what it takes to make a difference in his community," begins a story in Greencastle's Banner-Graphic. "It only seems fitting that he was recently tapped as the executive director of the local Habitat for Humanity. Now, he is turning attention to how the organization can become a greater conduit to bring people together."

The Greencastle chapter has built 18 homes since 1988, but has been dormant for three years. 

"Affordable housing is a problem in Putnam County in general," said English, a 1972 graduate of DePauw University. "We have a shortage of housing in Greencastle specifically."  He added,  "I think it’s important to understand the more rural need for housing."

Brand Selvia writes, "English is truly local. He graduated from Bainbridge High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from DePauw University in 1972. He then earned a master’s degree from the University of Indianapolis. Since then, he has resided in Greencastle and devoted his time in social services and non-profits. Most recently, he served as the executive director of United Way of Putnam County from 2008 to 2012. He has worked as a counselor and a juvenile probation officer, as well as a family case manager for the Department of Child Services. He was honest that he made a choice to come out of retirement, time which he could spend with his family and friends. Still, English said he took on the part-time position as yet another opportunity to lift up others."

English says, "I’ve always had a desire to give back to my community,” he said. “I’ve been right here since I came to DePauw, and have invested my time to try and make this community better for everyone."

Access the complete article at the newspaper's website.

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