FAST FIVE James Casper helps people build their lives
Meet James Casper, who was born and raised in Idaho Falls. He and his wife moved to North Idaho in the summer of 2016. James took the position of executive director for Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho a few months later. They enjoyed Idaho Falls, but the beauty in Coeur d’Alene drew them in.
Generation: In the words of the great comedian Iliza Shlesinger, I’m an elder millennial.
Career and community involvement: My undergraduate degree is in accounting. After working in telecommunications for 10 years, I started a small construction company so that I could work for myself and get out of the corporate environment. Later, I went back to school to get my master's degree in public administration because I wanted to develop my career in a way that I could make a positive difference in the world. Working at Habitat for Humanity has been a wonderful opportunity to advocate for community members in need, and it’s allowed me to leverage my previous education and experience.
1. What is new with Habitat for Humanity in North Idaho, and what projects are on the horizon at this time?
Our Habitat units are now built and sold using a land trust model. Most people in the community know that the home values are increasing so quickly that more and more of our community members are realizing they will never be able to afford to own a home here. The land trust model along with our other provisions create a portion of housing stock that helps owners build equity but isn’t influenced by an influx of homebuyers from other states.
2. How has Habitat fared through COVID, and, more recently, what did you experience following the January windstorm that damaged so many homes?
Habitat has been very lucky during the pandemic. We’ve had a few isolated cases of COVID in our staff and volunteers, but that’s pretty good for a year’s worth of extra precautions. Our ReStore continues to perform well. The community here is incredibly supportive both in donating their unneeded household goods and shopping with us. In the spring of 2020, we were able to dedicate a home with one of our clients. A little different during a pandemic, but still a joyful occasion. The recent windstorm didn’t impact our repair services because most homeowners have been covered for damage by their homeowner’s insurance. Our repair program is mostly utilized by community members who struggle with regular upkeep and maintenance, especially older community members who might have physical limitations.
3. What do you enjoy most about working with this nonprofit that literally helps people build their lives?
From the beginning, Habitat has been focused on giving community members the opportunity to receive a helping hand, and to pay forward that help to the next client. Our clients are given a low purchase price to get them started in homeownership and family wealth building, but they pay for that opportunity, and their mortgage returns value to the organization so that we can reuse those dollars on the next project. It’s truly about enabling their success, without implying that they are unable to be responsible for themselves.
4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Our friends and family know this because we’ve roped them into helping, but my wife and I are building our own home. We’ve lived in a camp trailer on our property for almost two years and we work at night and on the weekends building. Hopefully we’ll be done this summer!
5. What are a few things our community can do to support Habitat in its mission?
Our Restore in Hayden is our primary fundraising source. It’s an amazing place to find great deals on home improvement goods, so please come shop with us! We also have a wide variety of opportunities for volunteering on our build sites, in the ReStore or with the office and program staff who support our clients. Perhaps most importantly, advocate for the well-being of others in your community. Housing is the most basic of our necessities to be successful in life, and everyone should have access to safe and affordable housing.
