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, we have built one to six homes a year in partnership with qualifying low-income families, known as Partner Families. In 2010, the affiliate grew to encompass Hall, Hamilton, Howard, Merrick and York counties and added a new program, A Brush With Kindness (ABWK). The program will seek to aid qualifying, low-income homeowners who need a little help with minor, exterior home repairs.

How Does It Work?

Habitat takes a hand-up rather than hand-out approach to helping families in need of improved housing. Through volunteer labor, management expertise and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, modest homes are built and minor, exterior home repairs completed. Our Partner Families participate in the process by contributing labor and repaying no interest, no profit loans to Habitat. Thanks to support we receive, monthly mortgage and loan payments remain manageable. Those payments are deposited into a revolving fund to build and improve 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 loan, 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 partnership with Habitat which lasts throughout the terms of the loans. Habitat encourages families to take every possible opportunity for growth and development.

How are the Families Selected?

Low-income 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, A Brush with Kindness, 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?

Our affilaite has not used govenrment funds 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. Several fund raisers are held every year that also involve current and future Habitat supporters.


How Can I Volunteer on a Home Project?

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 and on A Brush with Kindness projects as they are scheduled. Businesses, organizations, churches, etc. are invited to sign up for one or more work 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. What's your interest or skill?

Information about current construction 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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