History & Overview

Habitat for Humanity Hamilton was initially founded in 1991 by a group of volunteers passionate about bringing the Habitat for Humanity mission to the Hamilton region. Since then, Habitat Hamilton has grown into a very successful organization with a governing board of directors, staff and network of thousands of volunteers and supporters.

Habitat for Humanity Hamilton is an independent, not-for-profit charity that builds affordable housing and promotes homeownership. We mobilize local volunteers, community members and corporate partners, seeking to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

We implement an on-going development model called the Home Build Program. Within this program, we build homes and provide interest-free and geared-to-income mortgages to people who would not be able to secure a conventional mortgage.

Supported by hundreds of volunteers, Habitat Hamilton has accommodated 33 Habitat homeowners locally, since its incorporation, and is one of Habitat Canada’s fastest growing affiliates, with several builds and developments currently underway.

If you’d like to learn more about our recent accomplishments, feel free to read through our 2022 Annual Report.

Our service area encompasses the City of Hamilton, Haldimand County and the territories of the Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mississaugas of the New Credit. This service area is comprised of a total population of approximately 800,000 people. Habitat for Humanity Hamilton is one of 49 affiliates from Canada, operating under the support and leadership of Habitat for Humanity Canada.

Well before Habitat for Humanity Hamilton and Habitat for Humanity Canada existed, Millard and Linda Fuller were busy founding the movement of what would later become Habitat for Humanity. The couple launched the movement back in 1976 in Americus, Georgia. Built on the idea of partnership housing, Habitat for Humanity volunteers gave a hand up to those in need—by working side by side—to build safe, decent and affordable homes.

In 1985, the movement spread to Canada with the first Canadian build taking place in Winkler, Manitoba. Two years later, Winnipeg became home to the first Canadian affiliate. Habitat for Humanity in Canada has since grown to 49 affiliates in 10 provinces and three territories and has successfully provided over 3,800 families with safe, decent and affordable housing.