FAQs
What is Habitat for Humanity Chicago? What do you do?
Habitat for Humanity Chicago is a nonprofit working locally to build a Chicago where every resident has a decent place to live. We take a neighborhood-focused approach to development, working alongside partners and residents to address the whole picture, concentrating investments into defined areas for maximum impact.
Why does your work matter?
One in 10 people currently face critical housing needs in Chicago, an urgent challenge as research shows housing is at the core of healthy, vibrant families, and communities. There is not enough affordable, stable, decent housing within this city, yet studies have shown it improves school performance, decreases crime, and enhances the mental and physical health of children and adults. Learn more here.
Do you only build homes?
Though we are well known for building homes, we offer an array of services designed to improve quality of life for residents in our focus neighborhoods. These include community improvement project grants, community action facilitation and support, homebuyer readiness training, and homeowner support services. To learn more, visit our programs and services page.
Are Habitat Chicago homes given away?
No. Habitat Chicago homeowners purchase their homes with an affordable mortgage, invest at least 250 volunteer hours across various Habitat Chicago projects, and enroll in homeownership preparation courses. To learn more, visit our affordable homeownership page.
What do my donations fund?
Many people believe that all of our materials are donated and that we receive our funding through Habitat for Humanity International. This isn’t the case. The vast majority of our funding comes from the generosity of individuals and organizations within our local Chicago community.
Chicago is so big! Why do you only focus in certain neighborhoods?
While many local Habitat organizations do “scattered site” building, which places families in homes wherever there is availability, this approach does not work well for Chicago. We work at a community level, but in concentrated areas to maximize the effect of the investments we make. We don't just want individuals to survive; we want neighborhoods to thrive. Learn more about our neighborhood impact.
Is Habitat Chicago managed by Habitat for Humanity International?
Though we are partners with Habitat International, we are a completely independent organization. A Chicago-based Board of Directors determines our policies and oversees our Executive Director, who manages the day-to-day operations of the affiliate.
Where else does Habitat for Humanity operate? What are Habitat for Humanity affiliates?
Habitat for Humanity operates worldwide in over 70 countries. Habitat for Humanity's work is accomplished at the community level by local affiliates: independent, locally run, non-profit organizations. Habitat for Humanity Chicago is the only affiliate serving the city of Chicago.
If Habitat Chicago is the only affiliate in Chicago, what is Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity?
Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity is a support organization to the five affiliates in the region. It does not provide any public-facing programs but rather tries to help the area affiliates grow.
What is ReStore Chicago?
Our two Chicago-based ReStores are nonprofit home improvement/donation centers that sell new and gently used home and building materials. Profits from ReStore purchases support Habitat Chicago’s mission activities across Chicago, including building new houses. To learn more, visit our ReStore Chicago page.
How can I volunteer?
For this and other common questions about volunteering, please visit our Volunteer FAQ page.
How can I own a Habitat Chicago home?
First, it’s important to know that we do not give homes away for free. Each applicant agrees to partner with us, which includes providing required information and documentation, attending homeownership preparation courses, volunteering at least 250 hours with us, and purchasing your home with an affordable mortgage. Learn more about our Affordable Homeownership Program.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Email info@habitatchicago.org or give us a call at (312) 563-0296.
