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History
Habitat International was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Americus, Georgia. Houston Habitat was founded locally in 1987 by Carl Umland (for whom our Umland Park neighborhood is named.)
Over the past 25 years, we have put 3,000 Houstonians into homes – more than half of whom are children.
We have built in more than 15 neighborhoods in Houston, and are currently working in Milby Park (62 homes). More information about our neighborhoods is here.
Our history includes many landmark projects, major events and construction innovations.
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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.
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In 1999 and again in 2007, 2008 and 2009, Houston Habitat received the Energy Star Award. Each Houston Habitat home receives Energy Star certification, demonstrating a commitment to energy efficiency and affordability.
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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.
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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. The Store underwent a renovation in late 2010 and now offers a customized paint desk and expanded inventory. With support from the community, all income from the Restore supports Houston Habitat.
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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Prior to 2006, Houston Habitat averaged 50 new homes each year. However, 2006 proved Habitat’s ability to serve in times of disaster. The Gulf Coast storms of 2005 compounded the region’s need for affordable housing. With dedicated sponsor support, Houston Habitat provided affordable, permanent housing opportunities for new Houstonians displaced by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. A record 119 families closed on their new homes in 2006, placing Houston Habitat as the second highest producing of all 1,600 Habitat affiliates.
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2007 – 2008 brought both great challenges and great opportunities. In 2007, we celebrated our 20th anniversary by breaking ground on Umland Park, future home to 126 families. In 2008, we built and closed 94 homes serving approximately 282 residents, purchased 117 acres on Tidwell Road eventually to become home to over 400 families. We also received notice of a $1,000,000 Matching Grant opportunity from Houston Endowment for land purchase and development of property for use in providing affordable housing to Houstonians.
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2009-2010 kicked off the new Habitat home model as we opened Milby Park. Milby Park homes are brick with attached garages. 50 homes were built and closed during 2009, in both Umland and Milby Park sites. In 2010 we completed the $1,000,000 Houston Endowment Matching Grant and started the last home in the Umland Park subdivision. We also dedicated our first “green inside and out” home that includes solar panels and a solar hot water heater along with recycled cabinetry and non-toxic paint.
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