DOUGLAS COUNTY MN HFH

Habitat’s History
Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller. Today, Habitat for
Humanity is a true world leader in addressing the issues of poverty housing. Through the work of Habitat,
thousands of low-income homeowners have found hope in the form of affordable housing. Churches,
community groups and others have joined together to successfully tackle a significant social problem—to
provide decent housing for all. Since its inception, Habitat for Humanity has built or repaired over 1
million homes, serving more than 5 million people worldwide. Habitat is located in all 50 states and in 70
countries.
Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County was established in 1997 as an all-volunteer led organization.
The first employee – Lori Anderson - was hired in 2004 and remains with the organization today as our
Executive Director. Our ReStore opened in May 2014.
Mission:
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes,
communities and hope.
Vision:
A world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Core Values:
• Humility – Remembering that our mission is bigger than ourselves, we recognize that we always
have more to learn and that success depends on others.
• Courage - We do what is right, even if it is difficult or unpopular, by having honest conversations,
valuing diverse perspectives, and boldly acting to further Habitat’s mission.
• Accountability - We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission by acting with integrity, putting
forth our best work, and learning from success and failure.
Non-proselytizing policy
Habitat for Humanity and its affiliate organizations will not proselytize. Nor will Habitat work with entities
or individuals who insist on proselytizing as part of their work with Habitat. This means that Habitat will
not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must adhere to or convert to a
particular faith or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.
Organization Equity Commitment
Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County promotes equity and strives to build diversity, inclusion and
cultural competency in all aspects of our organization.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
Habitat for Humanity was born out of a theory of inclusivity and our vision is a world where we share one
humanity. We are a faith-based organization, but we realize that faith alone is not enough. Our faith must
be coupled with works and action.We are committed to inclusivity in our practices, our programs, and
within our networks. We will bring equity to our efforts and help bring justice to the communities in which
we work. We must be better at connecting issues of racial and social injustice with historic barriers to
affordable housing and work to eradicate those barriers. We will ensure that our work is infused with
courage and accountability to see our commitment to a truly equal community a reality.What we do
Habitat builds homes.
Since 1997, Habitat for Humanity has built or improved more than 100 homes in Douglas County.
Habitat programs.
Homeownership: building or improving safe, affordable homes
Aging in Place: affordable repairs for ages 65+
Habitat builds strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.
Three criteria are considered when selecting homeowners: need for housing, ability to pay and
willingness to partner. In addition, homeowners must have lived or worked in Douglas County for at least
one year. Each homeowner invests 200 hours of sweat equity throughout the homebuilding process.
Habitat homes are a hand up not a hand out.
Homeowners make regular monthly mortgage payments, which are recycled to help build more Habitat
homes.
Habitat builds sustainability.
The typical new house has 1,100 square feet of finished living space. Most homes have 3-4 bedrooms
and one bathroom. Habitat uses green building practices to make these home and their utilities
affordable.
Habitat serves all of Douglas County.
Our geographic service area includes all the communities and rural areas of Douglas County.
Habitat reuses at the ReStore.
The ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells donated building
material, furniture and appliances. Profits support the construction of affordable housing in Douglas
County.
Habitat builds globally.
10% of unrestricted general contributions are donated to support construction projects overseas. Habitat
for Humanity of Douglas County has served more than 90 international homeowners through tithe gifts.
Our affiliate is often amongst the top ten small affiliates for tithing.
Habitat builds with volunteers.
Whether you're swinging a hammer, recruiting homeowners or cleaning up donation in the ReStore,
every volunteer makes an impact!