Copyright 2024. Habitat for Humanity of White County, AR. All Rights Reserved.


HOME PARTNERSHIP APPLICATION PERIOD HAS ENDED. WE ARE NOT TAKING APPLICATIONS AT THIS TIME.


Habitat could not make an impact on the White County community by assisting people to get out of substandard housing without the help of the many friends of habitat, and our dedicated staff members.

Our staff includes two individuals  that are dedicated to accomplishing the mission of Habitat for Humanity. These staff members give their time, effort, and skills on a daily basis to further the vision of Habitat.

Rick Eichorn, Executive Director,

Rick has worked for Habitat for almost 4 years, he grew up in Port Edwards, Wisconsin. After college he went into the United States Air Force, then worked as a consultant in healthcare then became a Realtor. Rick first became involved with Habitat when he was in the Air Force, a friend introduced him to volunteering for Habitat in DC. He has been hooked on working with volunteers and Habitat ever since. He volunteered and served on the Board of Directors for the White County affiliate shortly after founding before becoming the Executive Director. Rick plays an integral part in guiding the organization, promoting the overall vision, community and governmental relations, resource development, liaison to the Board of Directors, and many other things. Rick said, "We are a smaller, growing affiliate, so I have to wear many hats." His favorite part of the job are house dedications, they are the end of the process of building homes and  show the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, partner families, friends of Habitat, and staff. He builds because the house means so much more than just a place to live. "I've seen the lives of our partner families and volunteers changed in so many ways," said Rick.

Leigh Anne Hawthorne, Affiliate Administrator

Leigh Anne has worked for Habitat for four years, she is originally from Searcy, and has been a Searcy resident her entire life. She worked in the banking industry before she began working for Habitat for Humanity White County. She loves working with families during the entire process of home building. Leigh Anne plays an integral part in the family selection process, the affiliate finances, volunteer recruitment, and many more aspects of the affiliate. She builds because she truly believes in allowing people the opportunity to be homeowners. "Families with homes of their own are healthier, their children make better grades, and they make a bigger impact on the community, that is why I build," said Leigh Anne.
 
Kathy Lowrey, Volunteer Coordinator




We are also very blessed to be helped in every area of our affiliate by our awesome volunteers! If you would like to help us by becoming a volunteer please see the How Can I Help? tab and help us make an impact on White County!! 

One volunteer that consistently helps daily on our builds and does many of the responsibilities of a construction manager, is By Miller, he currently resides in Heber Springs and has a vast knowledge of construction and Habitat for Humanity. By always takes the time to teach a volunteer how to do something and is always willing to help them gain a new skill. He has worked on Habitat homes all across the United States and is a great example of the incredible volunteers that help us on a daily basis to help families get out of substandard housing.

We are very fortunate to have an engaged, involved Board of Directors to help guide the organization toward progress. They are truly servant leaders in our community and we appreciate everything that they have done and continue to do for our affiliate.


  1. Alex Behel, Board President, First Security Bank
  2. Philip Hays, Board Treasurer, First Community Bank
  3. Michelle Davis, Board Secretary, River Wind Bank
  4. Dan Wilbourn, Board Member, Strother-Wilbourn Land Title Company
  5. Neville Adams, Board Member, Arkansas Testing Laboratories
  6. Kathy Graham, Board Member, Jim Taylor Sales Inc.
  7. David Merritt, Board Member, ReMax
  8. Bill Sivia, Board Member, Tax Accountant
  9. James Hoofman, Board Member, University Professor
  10. Roger DeVore, Board Member, ReMax
  11. Audrey Holland, Board Member, University Student
  12. Tish Pace, Board Member, ReMax


Another person who continually gives to Habitat through his time and talent, is Matt Fitzgerald, he acts as our building supervisor and licensed contractor for all of our builds. Matt insures that we are building safe, sustainable housing for all of our families and assists in directing construction volunteers on build days.