About Us

The mission of Habitat for Humanity of Illinois (HFH-Illinois) is to work in partnership with Habitat affiliates, developing communities by building houses with people in need. Habitat is dedicated to eradicating poverty housing. Life in poverty housing crushes dreams. But decent homes transform lives!  Renewed hope is built into each new Habitat home.

Habitat for Humanity of Illinois is a non-profit, ecumenical housing organization. Founded in 1999, the organization works statewide in association with the 54 Habitat affiliates, which collectively build about 100 houses annually.

Based in Oswego, HFH-Illinois is this state’s Support Organiza-tion, established with the purpose of strengthening Illinois affiliates, advocating for affordable housing, and securing resources – both financial and material – that would not otherwise be available to individual affiliates.

Additional efforts and responsibilities include leadership training and technical assistance for affiliate staff and volunteers. Habitat for Humanity of Illinois participates in the Regional Affordable Housing Roundtable, a collaboration of more than 200 organizations working toward accessible, affordable shelter.

According to HUD, homeowners report that home ownership contributes to creating greater family stability, to feelings of belonging to a neighborhood, to building personal financial stability, and to saving money and establishing personal credit.

The U.S. Census Bureau points out that there are three ways to help people afford homes: lower interest rates, lower down payment requirements, and down payment subsidies.

Illinois Habitat for Humanity affiliates provide these solutions through no-profit, no-interest loans to cover the cost of property and construction expenses and typically require a $500 down payment in combination with 500 “sweat equity” hours. HFH-IL has already provided 42 new homeowners with down payment subsidies of $6,000 through its Federal Home Loan Bank grants.

Salaries of potential homeowners commonly range between $18,000 and $35,000. Habitat partner families purchase the homes on which they work alongside devoted volunteers. The monthly mortgage payments finance the construction of future Habitat homes.

In collaboration with thousands of dedicated Habitat volunteers, Habitat for Humanity of Illinois is chiseling away at sub-standard housing, fortifying communities, and strengthening families throughout Illinois.

Habitat for Humanity of Illinois is one of a growing number of State Support Organizations (SSOs) affiliated with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). Founded in 1976, HFHI has built more than 200,000 houses in 101 countries. It ranks as the 18th largest homebuilder in the U.S.

HFH-Illinois is governed by a Board of Directors, whose members are drawn from throughout the state. The board meets quarterly, most often in Willowbrook.

To inquire about being considered for a Board position, please contact Executive Director Bobbi Burgstone.

Habitat for Humanity of Illinois

323 Grape Vine Trail, Oswego, IL  60543

630-551-0160 phone  •  630-551-4040 fax

www.habitatillinois.org  •  HFHIllinois@aol.com

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