History
Habitat for Humanity is an international, non-profit, Christian-based organization whose mission is to provide low-income families with decent, affordable housing in which they can raise their families.
Mission Statement – Habitat for Humanity Detroit
Putting God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings together people to build homes, communities and hope.
History of Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity is an international, non-profit, Christian-based organization whose mission is to provide low-income families with decent, affordable housing in which they can raise their families
The organization was founded by Millard and Linda Fuller in 1977. This housing ministry has grown over the years to a global organization with the 300,000th house being built in 2008. Habitat for Humanity affiliates are located in all 50 states in the U.S.A., the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
Important Milestones
Timeline
1986
Affiliate founded by Fred and Ellen Schippert.
Purchased our first three houses for $1.00 each. Work begins on renovating houses on the east side.
1987
Thomas family moves into the first Habitat Detroit renovated home.
1989
One of several nonprofits to receive proceeds from Christmas Light Show at Domino Farms. Donation was large enough to enable the rehabilitation of one house.
1991
Work expands to west side of Detroit.
1992
First Habitat for Humanity Detroit Work-A-Thon.
1993
Lutheran Brotherhood becomes first Adopt-A-House participant.
1995
Archer/McNamera Blitz Build – Over 1000 volunteers build 15 new homes in five days in the Westwood Park neighborhood.
1997
Archer/McNamera Blitz Build – twenty additional new homes built in Westwood Park neighborhood in six days.
1998
Oprah Winfrey House is first house built in the Creekside neighborhood on east side of Detroit
1999
ROCC Build – constructed eight new homes in Creekside.
2000
Nine new homes built in the Creekside neighborhood, including two “First Ladies Build” homes.
2001
Nine homes started in late 2000 completed in early 2001.
Announced the Tri-Centennial Village project in Core City Neighborhoods.
Celebrated our 15th anniversary!
2002
Dedication of the 100th Habitat for Humanity Detroit home.
2003
Dedication of the Taylor home, the 2000th Habitat for Humanity home built in Michigan, by Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity International.
Blitz Build ’03 – sixteen new homes built in Tri-Centennial Village as part of Habitat Detroit’s celebration of Building on Faith.
Habitat for Humanity International announces Detroit selected as a host site for the 22nd annual Jimmy Carter Work Project to be held June 2005.
Honored with 2003 Affiliate of the Year award.
2004
Blitz Build ’04 – five new homes built on Jane Street in one week; the first residential construction in northeast Detroit in 30 years.
2005
Jimmy Carter Work Project 2005 – led by former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn, over 1500 volunteers gather in southwest Detroit to build 30 homes in one week.
2006
Habitat Detroit partnered with Oakland and Macomb Counties for the SuperBuild
Habitat Detroit partnered with Oakland and Macomb Counties for the SuperBuild, which was a lead-up event to Super Bowl XL, and where 40 wall sets were constructed and sent to three Texas affiliates to be built permanently for hurricane evacuees. Five new homes were built during the Home Builders Blitz...Read More
2007
Habitat Detroit conducted its annual Blitz Build in June with the construction of 12 houses.
2008
A memorable year in the construction of Habitat homes.
Every house that Habitat Detroit built was Energy Star Certified. In addition, Green Build construction techniques were incorporated to lessen the impact of construction on our environment. This ensures the house is providing a very healthy living environment with air quality standards. All houses met strict testing guidelines that resulted..Read More
2011
Partnership begins with Habitat for Humanity Oakland County ReStore.
2012
Habitat Detroit opens new ReStore location on Detroit’s east side on Mack Avenue, just north of Cadieux.
Habitat Detroit launches “Leaders to ReBuild Detroit”, a three-year $25 million initiative to engage Detroit’s corporate leaders in revitalizing the city.
Habitat Detroit celebrates it’s 25th Anniversary with the Red Carpet Bash on February 26.
2013
Habitat Detroit builds its 100th home in the Morningside neighborhood on Detroit’s east side. Habitat also begins construction on 12 homes in Dearborn.
2014
Habitat Detroit builds 7 homes during its annual Blitz Build event in the Morningside neighborhood on Detroit’s east side.
2015
Celebration of Leaders To Rebuild Campaign to reach $10 million funds @ Clark Elementary
2016
5th Annual Red Carpet Bash took place at the Filmore in Detroit
2017
Cultivated a $25,000 partnership with DTE that resulted in 250 volunteers providing exterior home improvements on almost 20 homes in the North End
2018
Through the “Roof Deployment Project”— Local roofers came together to provide a roof for a Lincoln Park veteran.
2019
Build Community Event with Central Detroit Christian
2021