Our History

Habitat for Humanity International

Millard Fuller, a millionaire lawyer at the age of 29, had a prosperous law career, but his health, integrity, and marriage suffered. These crises prompted Fuller to re-evaluate his values and direction. His soul searching led to reconciliation with his wife and a renewal of his Christian commitment.

The couple decided to sell all of their possessions, give their money to the poor, and begin searching for a new focus in life. The Fullars discovered their new focus in 1976 when they founded a Christian, ecumenical housing ministry called Habitat for Humanity.

Since its foundation, Habitat for Humanity has grown to be present in over 90 countries throughout the world. Having built more than 300,000 houses around the world, the organization has provided more than 1.5 million people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter.

Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity

Founded by a small group of committed volunteers in 1992, Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity exists to serve low-income families in Johnson, Cedar, and Iowa Counties. After two years of work, Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity built its first home in 1994.

To date, Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity has supported 70 families into homes of their own. In response to the flood of 2008, Iowa Valley Habitat assisted an additional 60 families through flood-relief efforts, which included mucking out the flooded homes, moving possessions, and cleaning and reseeding the damaged lawns.