We recently connected with Mary Jo Hunt Hatchett and have shared our conversation below.
Mary Jo, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
From a young age, I was raised in a home where generosity was a core value. My parents consistently shared their resources with others, and that spirit of giving became deeply ingrained in me. When I married, my husband was a local politician who was heavily involved in community work. As a politician’s wife, I had the opportunity to interact with people from every walk of life and every socio-economic background. Those experiences shaped the way I wanted to raise my own children.
When they were young, I made it a priority to expose them to the diversity of our community and to help them understand how blessed we were. One summer, we participated in a feeding program at a local park. Three days a week, my children and I served lunches to children who were less fortunate. Over the course of that summer, our eyes were opened to the very real needs within our small town, and the desire to serve others grew even stronger in all of us.
Our lives took a heartbreaking turn when my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 42. He fought courageously for five years before passing away at just 47 years old. I found myself a widow at 36 with two children—ages 11 and 12—to raise on my own. During that painful season, my community surrounded my family with love. Groups gathered in our front yard to pray. Meals appeared constantly at our door. Neighbors, friends, and even strangers stepped in to take my children on outings or simply to offer support. The kindness we received was overwhelming, and I made a vow that one day I would give that same kindness back to others.
That promise guided me into a career of service. I accepted a position as a Case Manager at the Clark County Homeless Coalition, where I quickly realized how severe the housing crisis was in our community. Although my degree was in education, I felt called toward a different path. After several years there, I transitioned to Clark County Community Services as a Housing Coordinator, where I worked primarily with individuals coming out of rehab or jail. Many of the people I served were battling addiction—a cause close to my heart, having walked that journey with my brother, who is now in recovery. Helping people rebuild their lives and find stability was incredibly meaningful work.
In May 2024, I was hired as the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties. Looking back, every chapter of my life has led me here. Affordable housing has become my passion, not only because it strengthens communities but because it transforms lives. I cannot imagine having a career that doesn’t help others. Serving my community—just as it once served me—is not only my mission; it is an honor.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Being an Executive Director for a nonprofit is truly a blessing. I love waking up each day knowing that the work I do is meaningful and directly impacts families in our community. At Habitat for Humanity, we believe in a world where everyone has a safe, decent, and affordable place to live. We partner with low income, hard-working families to make homeownership possible—something many of them would not be able to achieve without support.
By utilizing volunteers on our build sites, we’re able to keep construction costs low. Once the home is complete, we sell it to the partner family with a 0% interest mortgage, ensuring their monthly payments remain genuinely affordable. Habitat has always believed in giving a hand up, not a handout. Our partner families commit to completing homeowner education classes as well as 250 hours of “sweat equity,” which includes working alongside volunteers to help build their own home.
We give a lot, but we also require a lot—because we know that homeownership built on partnership, dignity, and accountability creates long-term stability. Watching families open the door to their forever home is one of the greatest rewards of this work, and I am grateful every day to be a part of their journey.
We also operate a repair program called A Brush With Kindness, which allows us to serve even more members of our community. Through this program, volunteers provide exterior home repairs for individuals and families who are struggling to maintain their homes on their own. One of the primary repairs we complete is building wheelchair ramps, which greatly increases mobility and independence for those with physical challenges. We also assist with tasks such as painting, porch repairs, and other essential exterior improvements that help homeowners remain safe and comfortable in their homes. This program embodies Habitat’s mission of strengthening communities by ensuring that families can live with dignity in a place they are proud to call home.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
You have to have a servant’s heart to do a job like this. While the work is incredibly rewarding, it can also be emotionally taxing. Many days are heavy because we are walking alongside families facing life-changing—and sometimes life-and-death—challenges. I find my strength through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, who sustains me and guides me through the difficult moments.
A strong work ethic is also essential, because this role is far from a traditional 9–5 job. It is truly a 24/7 commitment. I eat, sleep, and breathe Habitat.
And finally, you must have a strong support system. Mine comes from both my Board of Directors and my family. My family believes deeply in Habitat’s mission and supports my work wholeheartedly—even when it means sacrificing some time together. Their encouragement allows me to continue serving our community with purpose, compassion, and dedication.
Not everyone is cut out for nonprofit work, and that’s okay. We all have our unique gifts and talents, and mine happens to be service. I thrive when I’m helping others and making a difference in my community. Just don’t give me a job that involves a lot of math!
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
As the Director of a nonprofit, one of my greatest challenges is fundraising. Finance is not my strongest skill, and I often struggle with budgeting and the financial aspects of running an organization. I am grateful, however, for the support of our Board Treasurer, who walks alongside me and provides guidance in these areas. I am also fortunate to have a Fund Development Coordinator whose primary focus is raising funds for our affiliate. Asking people for money is never easy for me—especially knowing how tight budgets are for so many in our community—but I approach it with honesty and passion, trusting that our mission resonates with those who have the means to help.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hfhmcc.org
- Instagram: habitat_madisonclark
- Facebook: Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties
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