Letter: Dubois County and Jasper report HELP results
In late 2021, Dubois County and the City of Jasper partnered to apply for and were selected to participate in the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP) initiative through OCRA (Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs). The purpose of the program was to develop a strategic plan for using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to improve our community and leave a lasting legacy. County and city leaders were involved in planning for program development and funding with citizen input.
Two projects/areas of focus emerged through the process, and work on them wrapped up in December of 2025. The first was to provide funding and support to TRI-CAP Head Start, which is an early childhood development program for low-income families. It provides comprehensive services, including education, health, and nutrition for children aged 3 to 5. $300,000 was awarded and was fully expended for classroom, program, and office supplies, communication items, and salaries.
The second project was an Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation (OOR) program. The OOR made a significant impact on 39 homes across Dubois County. Three homes received ADA accessibility modifications, nine homes received electrical work, 22 homes received HVAC work, three received radon mitigation systems, 29 received new roofs, and 13 had water heater replacements or improvements.
The program had construction performed by local contractors, Custom Creations, Gogel Roofing, Hulsman’s Refrigeration, Huntingburg Mechanical, Innovative Radon Solutions, Jay’s Specialty Services, John Collins Contracting, Kelly’s Heating and Air, Lindsey’s Construction, and T&T Roofing. Two inspectors were utilized for the project: Eric Curtis for home inspection and Innovative Radon Solutions. Both inspectors are from Dubois County.
Grant funds totaling $537,194.15 were expended for OOR.
I thank Jenny Mathies and the team at Indiana 15 Regional Planning Commission, who carried a large portion of the project administration. I also thank my fellow Commissioners, Auditor Sandy Morton, the City of Jasper, and the Dubois County Council for supporting this impactful project. It was a big undertaking that strengthened our communities and will leave a lasting positive impact.
Chad Blessinger
President, Dubois County Commissioners
