Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity

Our Mission

Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity makes home ownership possible for motivated families for whom ownership is not otherwise attainable. Inspired by the values of its Christian founders, Habitat seeks to improve the quality of life of its partners, volunteers, and the entire community and to inspire everyone to live with a spirit of compassion.

In pursuing its mission, KVHH is guided by the following principles and values:

• Habitat is an ecumenical, non-profit organization that makes home ownership possible through a combination of non-interest loans, the sweat equity of buyers, in-kind donations, the time and talent of volunteers, and the goodwill of the community.
• Habitat expresses the faith and values that are part of the Christian and other traditions and central to the motivation of many of its supporters. Applying the challenge to love God and love our neighbor, Habitat provides a vehicle whereby all people of goodwill can work together to discover their common bond.
• Habitat is inclusive in terms of the population it serves and welcomes the active participation of all people.
• Habitat believes that its work goes beyond building houses to transform lives and strengthen the fabric of the community.

Our Impact

Building Lives One Home at a Time! In 1983, a group of inspired leaders took a leap of faith to create opportunities for low income families to build and buy affordable homes in our community. Thanks to their vision and the support of the community, more than 170 families have become Habitat homeowners.

Explore our website to learn more about our organization and how you can join the Habitat movement in Kalamazoo.

Cycle of Poverty For thousands of hard-working, low-income families in Kalamazoo County and the southeast corner of Allegan County, homeownership is out of reach. These families don't qualify for a bank loan. In the city of Kalamazoo alone, 3 out of 4 very low-income families have a significant housing problem. For them, a cycle of poverty and instability often continues no matter how they persevere. The statistics are grim: unsafe, unhealthy, inadequate housing is often the only option. And it is costly. Many families spend too much of their income on shelter, making other basic necessities unaffordable.

Without Habitat's no-interest, no-profit homes, many families have zero opportunity for homeownership.

Goals, Energy and Action Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity meets the affordable-housing crisis head on. We build and rehab houses. We provide zero-interest financing. We recruit partner families – then help them achieve homeownership and acquire the skills to face those responsibilities and challenges. Homeownership brings enhanced stability and opportunity to the lives of Habitat families. Habitat creatively explores strategies and makes connections that keep the cost of our homes – and homeownership – at a minimum.

A Beacon of Hope Why is homeownership so empowering? When a family is able to own a home, it helps children stay in the same school. It eases family conflict and stress. It helps build financial equity while encouraging self-esteem and self-reliance. Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity addresses affordable housing concerns with a truly revolutionary response. Because we understand both the great need and the far-reaching results that are possible, we are able to craft a program that brings true benefit to families. The entire community is lifted when families are able to build financial and social capital. Habitat makes it possible.

Habitat families set a shining example for their children, their neighborhood, and their community.

A Brighter Future Everything we need to address the housing crisis is right here in our area. The motivated families. The volunteers. The financial resources. Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity brings them all together to create a community miracle. Your donation to Habitat supports a forceful chain reaction that improves many lives – for many years. Our entire community benefits in ways both dramatic and subtle. Here's a unique opportunity for you to make a significant and lasting difference.