ABOUT US
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter was established in 1992 by a group of motivated students who recognized the need to end substandard housing in Urbana-Champaign. Working closely with our Champaign County affiliate, our goal is to raise awareness about housing insecurity among students and fundraise for an annual sponsorship towards an affordable home in the surrounding community. Over the past 24 years, our chapter has proudly sponsored and actively built 19 Habitat homes, contributed volunteer labor to dozens more, and engaged thousands of student volunteers in support of our mission. Our student chapter is open to all members, regardless of major and career interests, and requires no general member dues! We hope to inspire students about the importance of giving back to our community through decreasing housing insecurity. We hold general meetings biweekly on Tuesdays from 7-8 pm and host several fun fundraising and educational events!
This Years Partner Family:
The Johnson Family
Born and raised in Champaign, SaDa Johnson is a dedicated mother and is deeply rooted in our community. "I love spending time at my church, Zion Hill Ministries, and Restorations Urban Ministries," SaDa shares. A proud graduate of Central High School, SaDa has dedicated nearly two decades to the Champaign Unit 4 School District. "I’ve been working as a Bus Monitor for 19 years now," she says. "I love working with kids."
When she's not working, SaDa enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling, and taking trips. Her family is at the heart of everything she does, and she speaks fondly of her three children, one of whom plays basketball while another is on the Centennial High School Varsity Cheer Team.
SaDa first heard about Habitat for Humanity from friends and family. "I’ve always been interested and finally decided to give it a shot. I'm ready for a forever home," she explains. After years of renting, the prospect of owning a home is a dream come true for her. "I want my kids to see that hard work, dedication, and determination make dreams possible," SaDa says. "It’s important they understand the value of never giving up."
As she embarks on this journey, SaDa is excited about the many aspects of building her new home. "I'm very excited about finally becoming a homeowner," she beams. "I love the experience of working with others, meeting new people, and learning so much about saving and becoming a homeowner."
Our History
Habitat grew out of the dedication of two visionary men: the late Clarence Jordan, founder of Koinonia Farm, a cooperative community; and Millard Fuller, a young millionaire who decided to give away his fortune and spend his life in Christian service. Together they recognized the desperate need for decent housing among the poor of southwestern Georgia and envisioned the partnership that became Habitat for Humanity International. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has grown rapidly and now includes more than 1400 U.S. affiliates in Habitat USA and over 100 projects in 30 other countries sponsored by Habitat International. Over 100,000 Habitat houses have been built. In December 1991, Habitat for Humanity of Champaign and Piatt Counties (HHCPC) became an official affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Our UIUC Student Chapter began that Spring of 1992, and became an official chapter with Habitat for Humanity International in March of 1993.
