Bud Shull
Founder of HFH IWV
History of Habitat for Humanity of the Indian Wells Valley
When Bud and Dot Shull retired from full-time employment in 1978, Bud and Dot became RV enthusiasts and traveled in 1993-1998 with Habitat Care-A-Vanners, a group of RVers who like to combine traveling and helping Habitat for Humanity partner families build their own homes.
In 1998 when Bud and Dot Shull moved back to the Indian Wells Valley they shared their very positive Habitat Care-A-Vanning experiences with several service clubs and churches in IWV. When the Optimist Club heard the presentation in the fall of 1998, they expressed an interest in forming an affiliate in the Indian Wells Valley. They were convinced there was a real need in Ridgecrest for affordable, decent, safe homes for low-income families. Optimist Club President, Jack Morrow, Board Member Jim Netzer, along with Bud Shull, agreed to take the necessary action to start an affiliate in the Indian Wells Valley.
With the help of the City of Ridgecrest City Planner Lois Landrum, work was begun on a Housing Needs Assessment. It was determined there was, in fact, a real need for a Habitat affiliate in the Indian Wells Valley, since about 1500 families lived in sub-standard conditions and were unable to become homeowners through conventional means. It was also noted that the 1500 families could qualify for a Habitat home if their incomes were between 25-50% of the median income in IWV.
The following people agreed to serve on the Steering Committee and then on the first Board of Directors: Gary Charlon, President; John Morrow, Vice President; Charlotte Paulsen, Secretary; Harold Manning, CPA, Treasurer; Maria Morales, Clyde Hazen, Ken Kelley, Mark Roether, Bettye Moody, James Netzer, Adolphus Cleveland, and Bud Shull. Dan Tobias, Attorney, acted as legal advisor.
Articles of Incorporation were filed with the state of California to receive non-profit status as a 501(c)3) organization. And a letter dated May 1, 2000, and signed by Ted Swisher, Director of U.S. Affiliates for Habitat for Humanity International, gave final approval of the affiliation of Habitat for Humanity of the Indian Wells Valley.