WE ARE A POWERFUL EXAMPLE OF WHAT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED BY CARING INDIVIDUALS WHO WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AGAINST GREAT ODDS".
Carl W. Umland, Founder of Houston Habitat for Humanity

MISSION

Houston Habitat for Humanity works by faith to change lives and empower families by building homes in partnership with God and people from all walks of life.

HISTORY

Houston Habitat for Humanity is one of the largest and most established regional affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International.  Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Americas, Georgia, Habitat for Humanity International has grown to be one of the top 20 homebuilders in the United States and the largest non-profit homebuilder in the United States.

Houston Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1987 is a Christian-based housing ministry. Embracing all faiths, the organization is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in our community by helping low-income families purchase a simple, decent home in which to live.  To date, Houston Habitat has built over 650 affordable homes and served more than 2,700 people – half of whom are children.  Based on annual home production, Houston Habitat is consistently listed in the top ten among the nearly 1,700 Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the United States.  

For two decades, Houston Habitat has worked to eliminate substandard housing by helping our neighbors purchase simple, decent homes in which to live.  

In addition to ongoing construction in partnership with generous sponsors, volunteers and dedicated homebuyers, Houston Habitat’s history includes landmark events and construction innovations.

• As part of a Jimmy Carter Works Project, in June 1998, Houston Habitat became the first U. S. affiliate to build 100 homes in one week.  A record that remains unmatched by any Habitat affiliate.
• Each Houston Habitat home receives Energy Star certification, demonstrating a  commitment to energy efficiency and affordability.  In 1999, and again in 2007, Houston Habitat was awarded the National Energy Star Home Builder of the Year Special Recognition Award.
• In an effort to address devastation caused by Tropical Storm Allison, in 2002 Houston Habitat built 44 homes in the Wood Glen Subdivision, giving priority to applicants who were suffering from the aftermath of citywide flooding.
• In Fall 2003, the Houston Habitat ReStore opened.  With the goals to both provide earned revenue for the organization and to promote the recycling of building materials by reselling donated new and used building materials at discounted prices, the store is doing well.  With support from the community, the Restore provides significant financial support for Houston Habitat.
• As part of an NFL™  sanctioned event for Super Bowl XXXVIII, volunteers constructed 38 homes in a symbolic 38 days leading up to the 2004 Super Bowl.
• In 2005, Houston Habitat embarked on a new project – its participation in Builders Blitz.  Modeled on a successful 2002-2003 North Carolina initiative, this National Habitat project partnered regional affiliates with local builders.  In one week, more than 700 homes were built throughout the United States.  Locally, Houston Habitat worked with area builders to construct nine homes in a single week.  Planning for the 2008 Builders Blitz is currently underway.
• In 2005-2006, Houston Habitat joined with Habitat International to provide frames for homes that were shipped to damaged communities in the Gulf Coast through Operation Home Delivery.  These projects included working with Major League Baseball during the World Series, Grambling and Southern University during the relocated Bayou Classic, and the national Basketball Association during the All Star Game.  In total, Houston Habitat built and shipped 11 frames for homes as part of the Gulf Coast rebuilding effort.
• Prior to 2006, Houston Habitat averaged 50 new homes each year.  However, 2006 proved Habitat’s ability to both serve an on-going need in our area as well as need that arises in times of disaster.  The Gulf Coast storms of 2005 compounded the region’s need for affordable housing.  With dedicated sponsor support, this program provided affordable, permanent housing opportunities for new Houstonians.  Through this program, Houston Habitat built homes for families impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Run concurrently with Houston Habitat’s annual efforts, 119 families closed on their new homes in 2006.  This record placed Houston Habitat as the second highest producing of all 1,700 Habitat affiliates.

In its 20th anniversary year, Houston Habitat is moving to address the City's need for afforable housing.  Umland Park, a new development named to honor the founder of Houston Habitat, Carl Umland, will be home to 125 families.  Each home represents the collaborative team-building approach Houston Habitat undertakes to involve families, faith-based organizations, community groups, corporations and individuals in its mission to provide affordable housing.  Twenty of these homes will be built as part of the Energy Build which brings together a group of Houston’s energy companies in sponsorship of homes.  It is only through such invaluable community support and a committed workforce that Houston Habitat continues to build and change lives.