Habitat for Humanity International began as an idea on Koinonia Farm in Americus, Georgia in the 1960s by Millard and Linda Fuller, and was formerly founded in 1976 as a Christian ministry dedicated to the elimination of poverty housing worldwide.
Over the years, many famous people have lent their talent and prestige to further the cause of Habitat, the most famous being former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn who, since 1984, have carried out annual "Blitz Builds" around the world.
To date, Habitat for Humanity has built more than 300,000 houses in more than 3,000 communities and 90 countries. Worldwide, Habitat is building at a rate of one house completed every 10 minutes.
Click here to learn more about Habitat for Humanity's beginnings.
Indian River Habitat for Humanity became an affiliate in September 1991, under the leadership of Bill Elliott and his co-founders, Bob Walsh, Ray Scent and Charlie Cox, pictued below.
Pictured left to right: Bob Walsh, Ray Scent, Charlie Cox and Bill Elliot
Since that time, Indian River Habitat has built more than 280 homes throughout the county, from Fellsmere in the north to the Oslo Park area in the south county.
In calendar years 2005, 2006 and fiscal years 2009, 2010 and 2011, our affiliate has received the prestigious "Affiliate of the Year" award, in the suburban (medium sized) category, from Habitat for Humanity International, a reflection of the dedication and generous support of our donors, volunteers and staff.
Our campus includes The Burnham Center (office and training facility) pictured above, a warehouse and the Home Center ReStore, located at 4568 N. U.S. Highway 1, just north of 45th Street.
This past year marked our 20th Anniversary and the unveiling of our new office and training facility, The Burnham Center. We are deeply indebted to numerous individuals and businesses.
Click hereto view those who made the dream of this Office and Training Facility a reality through their generosity and commitment to the future of Indian River Habitat for Humanity.
20-Year Anniversary Video
How does Habitat for Humanity work?
Habitat is a self-help program - "A hand up, not a hand out." In lieu of a down payment, homebuyers contribute 300 to 500 hours of sweat equity, working side-by-side with our volunteers, to make their dream of home ownership a reality. By investing themselves in the actual building process, homeowners gain self-reliance, self-esteem and new skills.
Their monthly zero-interest mortgage payments provide a perpetual income stream which is used to build more houses and lives. Working together, home buyers, volunteers and donors form partenrships which, in turn, help build and revitalize communities.
Using qualifying criteria developed by Habitat International and the local affiliate, a Habitat Selection Committee chooses families in need from a pool of applicants.
Prospective homebuyers must have:
a need for simple, decent affordable housing
the ability to pay for and maintain a house
the desire to partner with Habitat by showing a willingness to complete 300-500 Sweat Equity hours working on their own house as well an on other Habitat projects
the willingness to complete all mandatory classes, including financial management training, provided to help equip homebuyers for homeownership
The houses we build... Habitat homes are simple, decent, affordable and energy efficient. They are built by future homeowners in partnership with volunteers, church and civic groups and others, under the guidance of skilled volunteer and staff construction supervisors.
A typical Habitat house in Indian River County is a 3-bedroom, 1-bath home with 1,050 square feet of living space. Two and four bedroom homes are also available, based on a family's needs. When feasible, Habitat also purchases and renovates existing abandoned and/or foreclosed homes.
Indian River Habitat for Humanity is a member of the Florida Green Building Coalition and every home is built with a solar water heater, and each home meets Energy Star Standards set by the Enery Protection Agency (EPA). For these efforts and others, IRHFH has received several local, state and regional "Green" awards. Also, all homes meet the required construction codes, including strict hurricane standards.
The personal involvement of the homeowner in the construction of his or her home provides a working knowledge of how the home has been built, better preparing the homebuyer for properly caring for his/her investment.
Building lives through homeownership... A house built in partnership with Habitat for Humanity goes beyond its physical structure. Hope and dreams begin with a decent and safe place to live and the opportunity for Habitat homeownership makes them a reality.
IRHFH also offers support for homeowners and their children through our Scholarship Program, which offers an after school and summer care programs, a prep club for middle and high school youth and college scholarship opportunities for homeowners and their children.
Applicants are motivated by their desire to escape substandard living conditions, and Habitat's support partners help them achieve their goals through friendship and counseling on the reponsibilities of homeownership, both before and after the purchase of the home.
Habitat's home building ministry is possible thanks to the following funding sources:
Tax-deductible donations
Grant funds
Community Contribution Tax Credit Program (CCTCP)
Bequests
Home Center ReStore revenue
Special events revenue
Mortgage payments
There are many ways to give. Find out the different options by clicking on the button below.
OUR MISSION Seeking to put God's love into action, Indian River Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
