History & Mission

VISION

A world where everyone has a decent place to live.

MISSION

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

HISTORY

Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller.  The concept that grew into Habitat for Humanity was born at Koinonia Farm, an interracial, Christian community near Americus, Georgia.  At Koinonia, the Fullers, together with farmer and biblical scholar Clarence Jordan, developed the concepts of “partnership housing” and the “fund for humanity”.   The ideas focused on those in need of adequate shelter working in partnership with volunteers to build decent housing.   Homes were sold with zero interest mortgages and payments were returned to the “fund for humanity”, which when combined with donations, allowed the work to multiply.

These concepts, and the vision that everyone in the world should have the opportunity for decent shelter have lead Habitat for Humanity to become a world leader in addressing the issues of poverty housing.  Today, Habitat for Humanity operates around the globe and has helped nearly 7 million people find strength, stability and independence through safe, decent and affordable shelter.

Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County Florida, Inc. (HFHHC) became an Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International in 1987.  Since then, HFHHC, in partnership with homeowner applicants and community volunteers and donors, has built or renovated more than 200 homes throughout Hillsborough County.

Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help people improve their shelter conditions.

ALL ARE WELCOME

Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County has an open-door policy:  All who believe that everyone needs a decent, affordable place to live are welcome to help with the work, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, political views or any of the other distinctions that too often divide people.  In short, Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and also serves people in need of decent housing in accordance with all fair housing standards.  As a matter of policy, Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations do not proselytize.  This means that Habitat will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must either adhere to or convert to a particular faith, or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.