Habitat for Humanity's mission is to help eliminate poverty housing by building simple, safe, decent, affordable, owner-occupied housing, for and in partnership with low and very low income families.
Habitat for Humanity has been building homes, rebuilding neighborhoods, and delivering the promise of a better life to families in need throughout the Delaware Valley since 1984. At the same time, the organization provides individuals, companies, civic groups, faith-based institutions and innumerable others a means to act on their charitable interests that is immediate, tangible, and meaningful. It is a powerful combination that has built more than 411 homes in partnership with low-income families in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties and Camden, New Jersey. Click here to view the Habitat Impact Map.
Every Habitat affiliate - locally, nationally, and in 85 countries around the world - uses the same model of building to ensure that the lowest income families can afford to purchase their first home. Construction costs are kept low through a reliance on volunteer labor, donated materials, and charitable gifts. A key component of that volunteer commitment is the future owners, who invest as much as 400 hours of sweat equity into their homes. Once completed, homes are sold at cost with no profit added for Habitat and at zero percent interest. Families' mortgage payments are deposited into the "Fund for Humanity," which finances additional construction in the neighborhood. As a result, Habitat is not only creating new homeowners, but also revitalizing neglected communities throughout our region.
Recognizing that their shared goals could be more effectively met by joining forces, the area Habitat affiliates came together in 1998 to form Delaware Valley Habitat for Humanity (DVHFH). By working collaboratively, they are capitalizing on the organization's successful model and striving to increase the number of Habitat homes built in our region. DVHFH is specifically charged with identifying new and increased financial and in-kind resources, economies of scale, and best practices that will enable each affiliate to serve more families in need. DVHFH also seeks to raise awareness of the critical need for affordable housing and the availability of efficient, affordable solutions.