What is Habitat for Humanity International?

Founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical, Christian housing ministry. It seeks to eliminate poverty housing from the world and make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat builds new relationships and a sense of community as well as new housing for families in need.


What is Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity?

Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, interdenominational housing ministry. Since affiliating with Habitat for Humanity International in 1992, it has built one to six homes a year in partnership with qualifying low-income families, known as Partner Families.

How Does It Work?

Modest homes are built through volunteer labor, management expertise, and tax-deductible donations of money and materials. With the help of future Habitat homeowners and volunteers, Habitat builds or rehabilitates homes. The houses are then sold to the Partner Families at no profit and with no interest loans. This helps to make monthly mortgage payments manageable. Mortgage payments are then deposited into a revolving fund to build more houses.


How Does the Partnership with Homeowners Work?

Habitat is not a giveaway program, but a joint venture. Each new homeowner is required to invest "sweat equity" (500 hours of work) in their house and other Habitat projects. This serves as a down payment, reduces the cost of the house, increases the pride of ownership and fosters community relationships.

Habitat continues to show a concern for its families, even after the paint has dried. A family support program enlists volunteers who mentor the families throughout the building process and beyond. Habitat encourages families to take every possible opportunity for growth and development.

How is the Family Selected?

Families apply during publicly announced selection periods. After reviewing applications, interviewing potential Partner Families and taking home tours to determine need, the Family Selection Committee makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors. The selection is based on level of need for improved housing, ability to pay a monthly mortgage payment and willingness to partner. No waiting list is kept.


Who Makes the Decisions for Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity?

An all-volunteer board governs the affiliate. The board includes a wide range of people. This diversity ensures a broad range of perspectives and wisdom and helps provide a strong base of operation. The responsibility and work is then divided into committees including – Family Selection, Family Support, Church Relations, Public Relations, Site Selection, Building, Fund Raising, Finance and Nominating.

The board invites you visit their office at the St. Stephen's Community Center, 410 W. 2nd Street.

What is the Government’s Involvement in Habitat?

Habitat does not use any government money for construction of new houses or renovation of existing houses. Habitat does, however, apply for government grants for the acquisition of lots, lot development and infrastructure - provided those funds have no provisions attached that would violate Habitat's principles.


What is the Source of Funds?

Donations come from several sources including churches, businesses, civic organizations, foundations and individuals. Monetary and in-kind gifts are tax-deductible. Support is sought from a variety of area resources so that the entire community can feel they are helping to make a difference.


How Can I Volunteer to Build?

Volunteers are needed no matter what their skills or interests. In addition to skilled labor, unskilled construction volunteers are needed. During the construction season, volunteers are needed on the building sites every Saturday. Businesses, organizations, churches, etc. are invited to sign up for one or more construction days.

Do You Need My Help Even if
I Can’t Build?

Yes! Habitat also uses volunteers in performing many other tasks, including administrative assistance, fund raising, staffing or coordinating special events, public relations, mentorship, and church relations.

In addition, there are many ways people can help on the construction site that don’t involve physical labor. Coordinating volunteers, providing food or checking in volunteers are a few examples.

No matter what your skills or abilities, there is always something that can be done to help.

Information about current building projects or volunteer opportunities may be obtained by calling the office at 385-5510.



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Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity • 410 W. 2nd St. #6 • P.O. Box 1001 • Grand Island, Nebraska 68802
308-385-5510 • E-mail: gihfh@yahoo.com


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