• 14325 Jane Ave, Detroit, MI 48205 | (313) 521-6691

History

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

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.…
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…
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

Habitat Detroit proud to begin partnership with Rocket Mortgage

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