Our Mission
Who we are
In 1999, Columbia County Habitat for Humanity was formed by a group of concerned citizens to help their neighbors in need build decent, affordable homes. We partner with people in our community, and all over the world, to help them build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordble mortgage. With your support, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and for their families.
Our mission
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, community and hope.
Our vision
A world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Our principles
- Demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ.
- Focus on shelter.
- Advocate for affordable housing.
- Promote dignity and hope.
- Support sustainable and transformative development.
All are welcome
Our commitment to acceptance
Habitat for Humanity originated from the biblical teachings of Clarence Jorden who founded an integrated community farm outside of Americus, Georgia during the Jim Crow era. Our work is a continuation of those principles and a dedication to be radically inclusive. Our mission is supported by organizations and individuals throughout Columbia County, and we welcome everyone regardless of race, religion, age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, or politics to join our work.
Non-proselytizing policy
As a matter of policy, Habitat for Humanity and its affiliate organizations will not proselytize. Nor will Habitat work with entities or individuals who insist on proselytizing as part of their work with Habitat. This means that Habitat will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must adhere to or convert to a particular faith or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.
Global partnership
Habitat for Humanity International accepts tithes from local affiliate to fund three programs: Disaster Relief, Refugees and Vulnerable People, and Global Building.
Habitat for Humanity’s tithe program supports carefully chosen building and shelter projects that provide housing in the world’s poorest places. Tithe funds allow families to stand on their own and build stronger, more stable communities. Since its inception, Columbia County Habitat for Humanity has contributed enough to build nine houses in Southeast Asia.
Currently, Columbia County Habitat for Humanity contributes quarterly to the Disaster Relief fund. Habitat for Humanity International coordinates disaster relief efforts across the globe, partnering with communities to rebuild after earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and other natural disasters. You can read more about the program here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many local homes has Habitat built?
As of March, 2025, Columbia County Habitat is finishing our 13th house.
Does Habitat give houses away?
No. Habitat sells the homes to partner families with an affordable mortgage. Mortgage payments from homeowners contribute to building more new Habitat houses. Monthly mortgage payment amounts are based on income.
Can Habitat homeowners sell their houses and make a large profit because of the original low cost?
No. Habitat houses cannot be “flipped.” If a family decides to sell their home, Habitat has the first opportunity to purchase the home back. A “silent” second mortgage requires the homeowner to repay a portion of the difference between the affordable first mortgage and the fair market value of the home.
Are Habitat homes energy efficient?
Yes. We install heat pumps in our homes to save homeowners money on utilities. Also, all appliances installed are energy star certified.
How are partner families selected?
Families in need of decent shelter apply to the local affiliate and meet basic requirements:
- Housing Need: The applicant’s present housing is too costly, overcrowded, unsafe, temporary, etc. and the applicants not able to solve this housing issue with their own resources.
- Ability to Pay: All homeownership program participants must qualify for a mortgage to purchase their home and be able to make a small down payment. Factors to qualify may include a stable source of income and reasonable credit score.
- Willingness to Partner: Becoming a partner in the program requires homeownership classes and 400 hours of sweat equity.
How often do you accept applications for homeownership?
Applications are accepted only after we have acquired land to build homes. Please call our office to be put on the notification list for the next home ownership opportunity. You can call 971.203.0020 for more information. Learn more about the process here.
Is Habitat for Humanity a government program?
No. Habitat for Humanity is an independent, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) ecumenical Christian housing ministry. Habitat partners with national, state, and local government agencies to advocate and create affordable housing solutions. Habitat has received government grants for the acquisition of land and infrastructure, such as streets and utilities, dependent upon available local, city, county, and federal programs and associated requirements.
Was Habitat for Humanity founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter?
No. Habitat for Humanity was founded in Americus, Georgia by Millard and Linda Fuller in 1976 who dedicated their lives to eliminating poverty housing throughout the world. Former President Carter and his wife Rosalynn were Habitat’s most famous volunteers and enthusiastically supported Habitat’s work. Their legacy still lives on every year with building projects in the U.S. and across the world.
How can I help?
Habitat is always looking for volunteers to help build houses, work on repair projects, fill shifts at our ReStore, or a number of other tasks that keep us running. Learn how you can get involved here!
Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted and help fund the costs of building and repairing homes for families and individuals in our community. Read more about donating here, or read about other ways to give here.
Thank you for your support!