Our History
Habitat For Humanity - International
Habitat for Humanity International began in Americus, Georgia in 1976 through the passionate efforts of Linda and Millard Fuller. Their goal was simple: to provide access to safe and decent housing for everyone, and have people from all walks of life come together to make this vision come true. In 1984, former US President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn took part in their first ever Habitat build, putting the organization on the map. Every year since, the Carters take on a new build site. Through their commitment and many others, Habitat has built 800,000 houses in 100 plus countries around the world, providing more than 4 million people with safe, decent and affordable shelter.
Habitat For Humanity - Canada
Established in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada has affiliates across the country and has built over 2,500 homes nationwide. This is thanks to more than 300,000 volunteers, who have logged in 11.2 plus million hours on build sites. Working under the direction of trained professionals, volunteers have hammered 35.4 million nails and screwed in 56,000 light bulbs! They’ve installed 3,000 toilets, 5,000 sinks, 24,000 windows and 36,000 doors, and applied 80,000 gallons of paint to help transform houses into homes. Not to mention the thousands more who have helped build homes in other countries through our Global Village International Volunteer Program.
Habitat For Humanity - Greater Vancouver
Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver (HFHGV), an affiliate, was established in 1995 and services Mission to Squamish. In 1999, HFHGV purchased an acre of land in Burnaby from the BC provincial government and built their first 27-unit townhome community in six phases, with final families moving into their homes July 2013. Since then, HFHGV has built 12 two and three-bedroom units in Richmond and 19 three-bedroom townhomes in Mission and manages an apartment in Vancouver and two single-family homes in Abbotsford. To date, safe, decent, and affordable housing has been provided for more than 64 families. With land for 42 homes in Coquitlam, the number of families served is set to increase exponentially. All homes are built by volunteers and qualified trades under the direction of a site supervisor and funded by individual donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships.