ABOUT US
Habitat USA and Habitat International are ecumenical Christian housing ministries that seek to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness worldwide. Everywhere we work, Habitat builds new relationships and a sense of community as well as new housing. Habitat also improves the local community by putting property back on the tax rolls and by adding life to older neighborhoods Through volunteer labor, careful management, and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent homes so they are affordable for low-income families currently living in substandard housing. Houses are sold to these partner families at cost, through no-interest mortgages. Each family's house payments go into a revolving fund to help pay for the construction of other houses. Construction of Habitat homes is a cooperative effort between volunteers and the future homeowners. This reduces the cost of the home, increases the pride of ownership, and fosters the development of positive relationships.
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."
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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.
