Our History

Habitat for Humanity International

Founded by Millard Fuller, a millionaire lawyer at the age of 29, Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 as a Christian, ecumenical housing ministry. As Fullard’s business prospered, his health, integrity and marriage suffered. These crises prompted Fuller to re-evaluate his values and direction, and his soul searching led to reconciliation with his wife and to 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 on life, a focus which created Habitat for Humanity.

Habitat for Humanity currently has a presence 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

Serving Cedar, Johnson and Iowa counties, Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity was founded by a small group of committed volunteers in 1992. After two years of work, the organization’s first home was built in 1994.

To date, IVHFH has supported 61 families into a home 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.