Habitat for Humanity Louisa County

Mission: Habitat for Humanity of Louisa brings people together to build and rebuild homes and communities while catalyzing new pathways to safe, decent, and affordable housing.

Vision

A Louisa County and Greater Charlottesville community where everyone can find a decent place to live.

History and Background

Habitat for Humanity has deep roots in faith-based community service. The organization's origins trace back to Koinonia Farm, founded in Americus, Georgia in 1942 by Clarence and Florence Jordan and Martin and Mabel England as a "demonstration plot for the Kingdom of God." This intentional community of believers shared their lives and resources, following the example of the first Christian communities as described in the Bible.

Koinonia's commitment to racial equality, pacifism, and economic sharing brought violence to the farm in the 1950s as the KKK and others attempted to force them out. They responded with prayer, nonviolent resistance, and a renewed commitment to live the Gospel. As threats of violence dwindled, they focused on the poor quality of local housing and began a project to build decent, affordable homes for their neighbors.

The housing ministry evolved into Habitat for Humanity International under the leadership of Millard and Linda Fuller, who became members of Koinonia after leaving a lucrative lifestyle in New York. Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity International has become a global housing ministry working with people of all faith traditions and backgrounds, operating in all 50 states in the U.S. and in over 70 countries around the world.

Non-Proselytizing Policy

Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations will not proselytize, nor will Habitat for Humanity work with entities or individuals who insist on proselytizing as part of their work with Habitat for Humanity. This means that Habitat for Humanity will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must:
* Adhere to or convert to a particular faith
* Listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith

Programs and Services

Home Repair Program

The Home Repair Program helps neighbors with essential home repairs including:
* Building ramps for accessibility
* Repairing doors and windows
* Installing gutters
* Other critical home maintenance and safety improvements

Homeownership Program

Habitat for Humanity of Louisa works with families to help them achieve homeownership through affordable housing solutions. The organization provides support throughout the entire journey to homeownership.

Volunteer Opportunities

Habitat for Humanity of Louisa offers diverse volunteer opportunities for community members of all skill levels and backgrounds:

• Construction Volunteering: Join on the build site as an individual or with a team in a rewarding, fun environment. No construction experience is necessary. Youth Builds are available for those 16 and older, while General Builds are for volunteers 18 and older.

• Home Repair Volunteering: Help neighbors with home repairs like building ramps, repairing doors or windows, or installing gutters.

• Family Support Volunteering: Support families as they navigate the journey to become homeowners by helping them with applications or becoming a financial coach.

• Event Support: Assist with fundraising events and community outreach programs.

The organization emphasizes that it takes everyone working together to build community. Habitat volunteers have varied skills, interests, and passions that contribute to the mission of building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. Whether someone is a student, retired, working a full-time job, or raising a family, there are opportunities to help in the mission.

Advocacy Program - Cost of Home Campaign

Habitat for Humanity has launched the Cost of Home campaign to address the housing affordability crisis. Today, nearly 19 million households in the U.S. are paying half or more of their income on housing. This means 1 in 6 families are denied the personal and economic stability that safe, decent and affordable housing provides. Instead, these families are forced to make impossible choices.

Over the next five years, the Habitat network commits to mobilizing individuals across the country to find solutions and help create policies at the local, state and federal levels that will improve home affordability for 10 million people.

As part of this campaign, community members can:
* Join as a Cost of Home Advocate
* Participate in training programs that make the connection between racial justice and housing
* Learn tangible next steps for advocating at local, state, and national levels
* Connect with other advocates through their Facebook group

Staff Leadership

The organization is led by a dedicated team of professionals:
* Ron Bricker - Communications
* Debbie Cole - Advancement
* John Hanna - Land Development and Volunteerism
* Kim Liebsch - Family Services
* Jeff Martin - Construction

The organization also maintains connections with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville and is governed by a Board of Directors.