S7, E3: Hibbs Gives Charitable Program
Homes That Give Back
The importance of home is something that cannot be overstated. It is the place where memories are made and where dreams take flight. Over the last twenty years, the Hibbs Luxury Homes team has been honored to build hundreds of dream homes for families in St Louis and Park City, UT, but there are a special few projects that will always be special chapters in our story.
As we look back on some of our best projects this season, we knew we wanted to include a special look at the Hibbs Gives charitable projects over the years. From rebuilding a home damaged by a tornado to a mortgage-free home for a wounded veteran who needed a more accessible home, the stories we're sharing on today's episode are just a few of these stories.
Chris Pedigo joins us in studio to discuss a few of these projects and then we revisit an interview with US Army SPC Heath Howes and his wife, Savannah, who we had the honor of building a new home for in partnership with Operation Family Home.
You can read the transcript below, or...
Episode Tool Box:
LINK: Should Your Rebuild Your Home After a Disaster?
WATCH: Vintage KSDK: 11 Yeats ago, the Good Friday tornado tore through St Louis
LINK: Make-a-Wish Missouri Playhouse Project
SEASON SEVEN, EPISODE THREE | TRANSCRIPT
Some homes are built for families.
Some homes are built for communities.
And some homes are built to change lives.
In this episode of The Art of Custom, the Hibbs Homes team shares the story behind Hibbs Gives, the company’s long-standing commitment to giving back.
From partnering with Habitat for Humanity to building a mortgage-free home for a wounded veteran, these projects reflect Hibbs Homes’ belief that building is about much more than construction, it’s about compassion.
A Heart for Service
The Hibbs Gives philosophy began long before it had a name. Kim and Jan Hibbs always believed in using their company to make a positive difference, whether through community partnerships, animal shelters, or special-needs projects.
As Melody puts it, “This company was founded on a heart for service, building homes the right way for people.”
Over time, that philosophy grew into a structured program, now called Hibbs Gives, supporting initiatives that provide housing, resources, and comfort to people and animals throughout the St. Louis region.
How Chris Pedigo Joined the Team
Before joining Hibbs Homes, Chris Pedigo ran his own contracting business for more than 20 years. Looking for a more meaningful way to use his skills, he became Construction Manager for Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County.
That’s where his path crossed with Kim and Jan Hibbs. Hibbs Homes often donated materials from their deconstruction projects to Habitat’s ReStore. When an injury forced Chris to move out of fieldwork, a mutual trade partner introduced him to Kim, and the rest is history.
Since then, Chris has become a cornerstone of the Hibbs Homes team, continuing his volunteer work and serving on Habitat’s board of directors.
Giving Back Through Habitat for Humanity
The company still partners closely with Habitat, sponsoring Beams of Hope - a program where team members decorate structural beams used in future Habitat homes.
Kim notes that Hibbs Homes practices deconstruction, not demolition. Whenever possible, reusable items such as doors, fixtures, and stained glass are salvaged and repurposed. It’s a way to minimize waste, support local charities, and give new life to materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill.
Rebuilding After Disaster: The Donald House
One of Hibbs Gives’ earliest projects followed the Good Friday tornado that devastated parts of North St. Louis County.
Hibbs Homes helped the Donald family rebuild after their home was destroyed. The end result was a larger, more efficient, two-story home with a full basement, built well above code for comfort and resilience.
Suppliers and trade partners donated materials and labor to help offset costs beyond what insurance could cover.
Building Joy: Make-A-Wish and CASA Projects
Not every project is large, but every one makes an impact.
The Hibbs team has built several custom playhouses and clubhouses for children in need, including a wheelchair-accessible clubhouse for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Designed and led by Chris Pedigo, the project included a ramp, spacious porch, and a spot at the picnic table for the child’s wheelchair. It became a joyful, inclusive space where she could play with friends, complete with a pink exterior, a covered porch, and even a working doorbell.
Other projects, like the CASA Playhouse built for the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department, brought volunteers, trades, and families together to create smiles while strengthening community ties.
Operation Finally Home
Perhaps the most emotional Hibbs Gives project to date came through a partnership with Operation Finally Home, a national nonprofit that builds mortgage-free homes for wounded veterans.
Introduced by builder and longtime friend Matt Belcher, the Hibbs Homes team worked alongside Operation Finally Home to design and construct a custom home for Army veteran Heath and Savannah Howes and their two sons, Parker and Aiden.
The project rallied the entire St. Louis community from suppliers donating materials to neighbors showing up with meals and encouragement. For Heath and Savannah, the home was more than shelter; it was a new beginning and a symbol of gratitude from the community they served.
Rusty Carroll, Executive Director of Operation Finally Home and a driving force behind the project, passed away shortly before this episode's taping. The Hibbs team dedicated the episode to his legacy and his unwavering commitment to helping veterans rebuild their lives.
Continuing the Legacy
Hibbs Homes continues to partner with Operation Finally Home, Habitat for Humanity, and local nonprofits through Hibbs Gives.
Kim emphasizes that giving back isn’t about publicity, it’s about purpose:
“We do it because it’s the right thing to do. If we can’t help, we’ll find someone who can.”
The company plans additional veteran and community projects as it enters its 21st year, furthering a tradition of service that’s as foundational as the homes they build.
Every home has a story and some stories build hope far beyond the walls of a house.
The Hibbs Gives projects are a testament to what’s possible when compassion, craftsmanship, and community come together. They reflect the belief that homebuilding can be a force for good, not just creating spaces to live, but places to heal, gather, and grow.
For more information visit www.artofcustompodcast.com or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn as The Art of Custom. Be sure to subscribe to get the latest episodes and please rate and review. The Art of Custom is produced by HugMonster sound with original music by Adam Frick-Verdeen. Thanks for listening.
