Our Vision:

  A world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Our Mission Statement: 

  Seeking to put God's love into action, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

ReStore

About Sussex County Habitat for Humanity

Sussex County Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. Sussex County Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions.  Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all.

All Are Welcome

Sussex County Habitat for Humanity has an open-door policy: All who believe that everyone needs a decent, affordable place to live are welcome to help with the work, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, political views or any of the other distinctions that too often divide people. In short, Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and also serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion. As a matter of policy, Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations do not proselytize. This means that Habitat will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must either adhere to or convert to a particular faith, or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.

 

Myths & Facts

Myth: Habitat for Humanity gives houses away to poor people.

Fact: Habitat for Humanity offers affordable homeownership opportunities to families who are unable to obtain conventional house financing. Generally, this includes those who's income is 30 to 60 percent of the area’s median income. Habitat homeowner families pay $2,500 in closing costs, each adult in the household contributes hundreds of hours of “sweat equity” during the construction of their own home or homes of others.

Myth: Habitat houses reduce a neighborhood’s property values.

Fact: Housing studies show affordable housing has no adverse effect on neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat houses have proven to increase property values and local government tax income.

Myth: Habitat homeowners are on welfare.

Fact: While some Habitat homeowners receive Aid to Families with Dependent Children, many more are working people. Typically their annual income is less than half the local area median income in their community.

Myth: You have to be Christian to become a Habitat homeowner.

Fact: Habitat homeowners are chosen without regard to race, religion, gender, age, or ethnicity in keeping with U.S. law and with Habitat’s abiding belief that God’s love extends to everyone. Habitat also welcomes volunteers from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace Habitat’s goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world.

Myth: Habitat for Humanity International dictates policy and practices for every local Habitat organization.

Fact: Local Habitat Affiliates like ours are independent, nonprofit organizations that operate within a specific service area within the framework of the Habitat Affiliate Covenant.

Myth: Habitat for Humanity is an arm of the government.

Fact: Habitat for Humanity is not an arm of the government. Habitat is an independent, nonprofit organization that accepts some government funds and other resources to help provide houses for those in need. We accept these funds as long as they do not limit our ability to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. Additionally, our local affiliates insert specific guidelines as needed to avoid becoming dependent on or controlled by government funders.

Myth: Habitat for Humanity was founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

Fact: President Carter is actually our most famous volunteer, not our founder. Habitat was started in 1976 in Americus, Georgia by the late Millard Fuller and his wife Linda. President Carter and his wife Rosalynn (whose home is eight miles from Americus, in Plains, Georgia), have been longtime Habitat supporters and volunteers who help bring national attention to the organization’s work. Each year, they lead the Jimmy Carter Work Project to help build houses and raise awareness of the need for affordable housing.

Donate

Thanks to support from people like you, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity is able to help low-income working families defy incredible odds and become homeowners. Your gift is put to work right away to build decent and affordable homes for families in need. The best ways to donate are:

By Phone or Mail: You can also call our office at (302) 855-1153 or mail in your donation. Please make your check payable to Sussex County Habitat for Humanity, and mail it to our office at P.O Box 759, Georgetown, DE 19947.

SCHFH supports the efforts of Habitat for Humanity International by tithing 10% of all donations, unless the donation is restricted for use only in Sussex County.  Our tithe funds go to Our Global Village Project: Habitat Guatemala to fund the construction of 3-4 homes there a year. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

​If you have a ReStore donation, please call 302.855.1156 and Press 1.

Other Ways to Donate

In Kind - New Building Materials and Tools

Sussex County Habitat for Humanity is happy to accept donations of new building materials and new or gently used tools.  If you have building materials or tools you would like to donate please click here.

In Kind - Land

Along with monetary donations, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity's mission is supported through the generous gift of land.  If you have land you would like to donate, or know of a good property for SCHFH, please click here.

Matching Gifts

Ever wish you could multiply your gift to Sussex County Habitat For Humanity? Now you can with employer matching contributions. Thousands of companies have Matching Gift programs which double, or even triple individual, tax-deductible contributions made by their employees. Ask your company's personnel office about your company's Matching Gift program.

Planned Giving

As you plan for your future, SCHFH has options that will allow you to make a meaningful charitable gift to support our ministry after your lifetime. If you would like more information, please call (302) 855-1153 and ask for Kevin Gilmore, Executive Director x201, or Jay Gundy, Development Director x210.

Stocks/Bonds

A charitable gift of stocks or bonds provides an opportunity for tax savings while generously sharing with others. A gift of stock owned for more than one year entitles you to a charitable deduction for the full market value at the time the gift is made. If the stock has appreciated, you also avoid a capital gains tax on the appreciation. In addition to helping SCHFH, you may diversify away from low-basis, long-term holdings into other assets that will better suit your current needs.  For more information, call our office (302) 855-1153 x203 and ask for Susan Webb, Manager of Finance and Administration.

Vehicle Donations

Donate a car to Habitat's "Cars for Homes" Program.  Your car donation can help a family build a house, and the hope of a better life!  Car donations help Sussex County Habitat for Humanity build homes in partnership with families within our community! Plus, donating a car, truck, boat, RV or other vehicle is quick, easy, and your car donation may be eligible for tax deduction purposes if you itemize (consult the IRS or your tax advisor for details).  Cars for Homes™ accepts a majority of cars, trucks, boats, RVs and other vehicles with proper title and ownership information, and makes the arrangements to have your vehicle, keys, and title picked up for processing. Net proceeds generated by donated vehicle sales are used by Sussex County Habitat for Humanity to build homes in partnership with families in our community.  It's quick and easy to donate. Donate a car, truck, boat, RV or other vehicle to Habitat's Cars for Homes™ vehicle donation program by calling 1-877-277-HFHI (4344) toll free or donate automobiles online at www.CarsForHomes.org.

Corporate Support

Wish List

Sussex County Habitat for Humanity is in need of the items listed below. You can purchase an item(s) from the supplier of your choice for delivery directly to Sussex County Habitat For Humanity, or if you have a good working condition used item, please drop by our offices during our working hours which are generally M-F from 9-5.

Tools:

Safety glasses and work gloves

Paint supplies

Equipment

Pick-up truck in good condition

Office needs:

White boards/Dry erase markers

Easels

Copy Machine

Services:

Architect - We often need the expertise and advice from an architect when we need to make changes to our established home floor plans.

Landscaper [$100-$1,500] - We like to at least minimally landscape our new homes whenever possible.