Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area is a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat is an ecumenical housing ministry with the goal of eliminating poverty housing.
Unwilling to accept the fact that thousands of families live without adequate shelter, Habitat challenges and invites individuals, religious organizations of all faiths, companies, foundations, and other organizations to join with us to improve the living conditions of people existing in inadequate housing. In order to do that, Habitat creates a joint venture in which those who benefit from the housing contribute their labor in the form of 350 “sweat equity hours” to the successful completion of the home.
Organization History:
“The idea that became Habitat for Humanity first grew from the fertile soil of Koinonia Farm, a community farm outside of Americus, Georgia, founded by farmer and biblical scholar Clarence Jordan in 1973.
On the farm, Jordan and Habitat’s eventual founders Millard and Linda Fuller developed the concept of “partnership housing.” The concept centered on those in need of adequate shelter working side by side with volunteers to build decent, affordable houses. The houses would be built at no profit. New homeowners’ house payments would be combined with no-interest loans provided by supporters and money earned by fundraising to create “The Fund for Humanity,” which would then be used to build more homes.” (HFHI)
In 1983, an ecumenical housing ministry was founded to address the growing need for affordable housing in Dauphin County. In 1985, we officially became an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity; the name was changed to Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area in accordance with Habitat International guidelines.
In 1995, a project entitled “The Miracle on Zarker Street” was completed after two years of construction, serving nine families as part of a neighborhood revitalization initiative.
Launched as a means to alleviate the financial burden of existing homeowners, our Critical Home Repair program was formed in 2002. This program recognizes the expenses involved in maintaining a home and seeks to assist with repairs deemed essential for safety and accessibility.
In 2013, HFHGHA launched our ReStore on Paxton Street. Donated items (both new and used) are resold to help offset the cost of construction and repairs. Today, proceeds from our ReStore account for more than half of all income received in our yearly budget. The ReStore is an essential piece of financially accomplishing our mission.
Another milestone for HFHGHA is our first Build Blitz in 2018. Assisted by a church in Maryland, we completed construction on three homes in nine days on 15th and Swatara Street.
As of July 2022, we have completed construction on over 30 homes, 10 home rehabs, and more than 200 critical home repairs. We look forward to beginning construction on two new homes in Steelton this fall that will be our first ever insulated concreate homes!
Non-proselytizing policy:
Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations will not proselytize. Nor will HFH work with entities or individuals who insist on proselytizing as part of their work with HFH. This means that HFH 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.
Annual Report:
Coming Soon!Strategic Plan 2023-2028:
StrategicPlan_executive summary