From the Ground Up

Founded in 1976 by Linda and Millard Fuller, Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is an ecumenical, Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience. Habitat for Humanity of Wayne County (HFHWC)was incorporated in 1989 as an independent affiliate of HFHI. We are committed to building not just homes here in Wayne County, but friendships and an enlarged sense of community as needy and more affluent people work together in partnership.

Since our incorporation in 1989, we have come a long way. In our first few years, we were limited to doing renovations for two families with handicapped members and working with the Wayne County Area Agency on Aging helping to move elderly and low-income residents into new accommodations. But as funding and support grew we were able to turn to our first priority, building homes.

In December 1993, we joyfully celebrated as the first Wayne County Habitat partner family moved into a three-bedroom home in White Mills. Donations of land, materials, legal services, and lots of manpower made one family's dream of decent, affordable housing come true. After many more houses, we're still going strong. The future looks rosy; with grant money from PP&L in 1997 we bought enough land to support eight new homes.

Our ninth house was completed in the winter of 2004 -- the fourth to be built in Canaan Meadows. And with the community squarely behind us, we're pursuing our goal of eradicating poverty housing in Wayne County and around the world.

Many individuals and organizations have come forward to help us. Fund raising sports events, yard sales, and clever attention-getters like WDNH's Shower-A-Thon in mid-December —initiated by supportive community members— have supplemented our own fundraising activities. Grants from churches, civic, and fraternal organizations as well as a one-time grant for land acquisition from PP&L have allowed us to move forward ever more rapidly. In addition, getting a permanent office at the Grace Episcopal Church in Honesdale and a used construction trailer for the worksite have enabled us to operate more effectively.
We have an annual Booster Club for those who have contributed at least $250 in money, goods, or services, and our Honor Roll acknowledges those over $500, but our thanks go out to all the volunteers and donors who have pitched in to help realize Habitat's vision locally.