November 18, 2024
Though officially established in 1976, Habitat for Humanity International traces its roots back to Koinonia Farm in southern Georgia. Founded by Clarence Jordan, this Christian farming community focused on equality, resource sharing, and stewardship of the land.
In 1965, Millard and Linda Fuller, seeking a path of Christian service, visited Koinonia, where they developed the concept of “partnership housing” alongside the Jordans. This concept empowered families in need of adequate shelter to work with volunteers to build affordable houses.
The houses were sold without profit, and no interest was charged on loans. Funds from house payments and donations were directed into a revolving fund called “The Fund for Humanity,” which supported future builds. In 1968, Habitat laid out 42 half-acre house sites, with a community park serving as a recreational space. These affordable homes marked the beginning of the global housing ministry known today as Habitat for Humanity.
After success at Koinonia, Millard Fuller gathered supporters in 1976, formally establishing Habitat for Humanity International. The organization is grounded in faith and hard work, aiming to address issues of poverty housing. The Fullers’ model of partnership housing flourished and spread internationally, ensuring families worldwide could build and buy decent homes.
One of the most transformative moments in the organization’s history occurred in 1984 when former U.S. President Jimmy Carter visited a Habitat build in New York City. The build site did not have enough volunteers and work was slow. Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter, took action and recruited a few dozen people to help in the effort. With Carter’s help, the stalled project gained traction, and 19 families moved into new homes. Carter’s involvement led to the launch of the annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, further raising Habitat’s profile and helping build affordable houses in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Eastern and Western Europe, and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Habitat for Humanity is truly an integral part of the city of Houston’s history. Founded in 1987 by Carl Umland, the organization’s first house was completed a year later and Ms. Dorothy Howard moved in with her eight grandchildren. A landmark achievement occurred in 1998 during the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, when 100 homes were built in one week—an unmatched record.
Houston Habitat has also contributed to disaster relief efforts following hurricanes like Katrina, Rita, and Harvey. Their most recent project is Robins Landing, Houston’s first affordable housing master-planned community, which highlights the organization’s mission to address the city’s affordable housing crisis.
“We know we can’t build our way out of this crisis,” said Houston Habitat CEO Allison Hay. “But we can role-model good behavior for others. Our mission is about the homebuyer. If Habitat can do it, others can too.”
Beyond housing construction, Houston Habitat operates ReStore, a home improvement store that sells donated furniture, construction materials, and appliances at a fraction of retail prices. Profits from ReStore directly support Habitat’s mission to build and repair homes in Houston. Donations of materials and volunteering remain integral to the organization’s success, allowing more families to achieve homeownership and contribute to a stronger community.
According to the National Habitat for Humanity, many ReStores cover the administrative costs of the Habitat affiliate so that 100% of donor funds can be put toward home construction and rehabilitation projects.
From building decent houses to revitalizing neighborhoods, Habitat continues to provide affordable shelter through the collaborative efforts of volunteers, donors, and community partners. Become part of Houston Habitat’s legacy by volunteering, donating, or shopping at ReStore. Every action helps build homes, hope, and a stronger future for those in need.
