Our History
Welcome to New Haven — a community built from resilience, hope, and heart.
A Historical Tragedy Hits in 2005
New Haven Subdivision was born out of tragedy and transformed by compassion. In 2005, a devastating tornado tore through the Newburgh and Evansville area. The most devastating event was an F3 tornado that formed early in the morning of November 6, 2005, outside of Evansville, Indiana, United States, bringing destruction to the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park community and displacing some families who had called Eastbrook home.
While this heartbreaking tragedy struck close to home, it unfolded against the backdrop of another devastating event that same year—one that left families across the country searching for safety and stability. In late August 2005, just months before the F3 tornado impacted our region, Hurricane Katrina formed in the Atlantic Basin. Developing on August 23, 2005, from the merger of a tropical wave and the remnants of a tropical depression, Katrina would go on to profoundly affect communities in and around New Orleans and beyond. Together, these events marked a year of immense loss, displacement, and resilience, underscoring the widespread need for safe, affordable places to call home.
Operation Home Again Builds Hope From Community Resilience
In the wake of that loss, "Habitat for Humanity" of Evansville [Chapter] stepped forward with a mission to rebuild not just homes, but stability and dignity. That mission launched construction of "Operation Home Again," our beloved New Haven Subdivision.
The land that would one day become the New Haven neighborhood carries a story of shared stewardship, thoughtful leadership, and generosity that spans generations—and even continents. Originally part of a large tract owned by the Stockwell family of Evansville, IN, the land changed hands over time as the community around it grew and evolved. In 1919, much of the property was acquired by the State of Indiana, and in later years portions were transferred to the City of Evansville. Through the dedicated efforts of Senator Albert Wesselman, additional parcels were ultimately deeded to the city, helping preserve what is now known as Wesselman Woods—a treasured natural landmark for our region.
Following the devastating 2005 tornado & Katrina events that left so many families without homes, a portion of this land found a new purpose rooted in hope and renewal. Habitat for Humanity of Evansville stepped forward to build the New Haven subdivision, creating a safe and stable place for families rebuilding their lives after the storm. This effort was made possible not only through local organization's compassion & donations, but also through remarkable international support. Evansville’s sister city, Tochigi, Japan, provided meaningful assistance, a powerful reminder that kindness knows no borders.
While New Haven was not the result of a single land donation, it stands today because of a collective effort—families, public servants, nonprofit partners, and global friends—all coming together to transform loss into opportunity. That spirit of cooperation and care continues to shape our neighborhood and the Homeowners Association that supports it.
From Hope to Reality
The construction of the new homes started in late 2006 and were dedicated to the survivors of both the tornado and Katrina at Green River Road and Fickas Road. The subdivision has 55 homes and playground/park. There are four streets in the subdivision – Inspiration Street, Healing Street, Promise Street, and Belief Street; a beautiful dedication of what the subdivision represents to the families. Through these generous donations of land and the support of community partners, New Haven Subdivision was created as a place where families could begin again and some of the first families moved in in late 2007.
While the first homes welcomed residents in the late 2007, the need for stewardship, organization, and shared responsibility; initial efforts of creating a homeowners association for the subdivision was recognized well before the ground breaking occurred. Established in 2007 and formally organized in 2012, the New Haven Homeowners Association was created to help protect the investment made in this community, support its residents, and ensure that New Haven would remain a safe, welcoming, and well-maintained place to live.
Keeping the Heart of the Community Going Forward
Today, New Haven is more than a collection of houses with a mix of original survivor owned homes, traditional habitat home ownership families, and non-habitat owners — it is a tapestry of friendly neighbors, shared stories, wagging tails, and a small playground filled with laughter. From front-porch conversations and potluck gatherings to sidewalk chalk art and community events, each home represents a chapter in a story rooted in perseverance and unity.
The HOA exists not simply to enforce the CC&R's it formed by members of the community in 2007, but to preserve the spirit that New Haven was built upon: cooperation, care for one another, and pride in our neighborhood. Whether you are a homeowner, a board or committee member, or a visitor, you play a role in sustaining the community that rose from adversity and continues to thrive through collective effort.
Remembering the Storm, Celebrating Strength
As we marked the 20-year memorial of the November 2005 tornado and approach the 20th anniversary of the New Haven subdivision being built and first occupied, we pause to honor the lives forever changed, the resilience of those who rebuilt, and the community that rose stronger from the aftermath. New Haven stands as a lasting testament to hope, renewal, and the power of coming together. From devastation grew possibility—and together, we continue moving forward, rooted in remembrance and guided by unity.
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