🌱 Our History

From a Farm to a Global Movement

The idea that sparked Habitat for Humanity began on a small community farm called Koinonia Farm, near Americus, Georgia. It was founded by Clarence Jordan, a farmer and biblical scholar with a big vision.

🤝 The Birth of Partnership Housing

At Koinonia, Clarence Jordan teamed up with Millard and Linda Fuller, the future founders of Habitat. Together, they developed the idea of “partnership housing” — a new way to build homes where those in need would work side-by-side with volunteers to build decent, affordable houses without profit.

“A hand up, not a hand out.” — Millard Fuller

🏠 Beau and Emma: The First Homeowners

The first home built through this program belonged to Beau and Emma and their five children. They moved out of a drafty, uninsulated shack without plumbing into a sturdy concrete-block house complete with a modern kitchen, indoor bathroom, and heating system — a true fresh start.

🌍 From Georgia to the World

In 1973, the Fullers brought this vision to Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), where they spent three years launching a successful housing program.

After returning to the U.S., they gathered supporters in 1976 to officially start Habitat for Humanity International. Today, Habitat has blossomed into a global nonprofit active in more than 70 countries, including Canada.

🇨🇦 Habitat’s Growth in Canada

Habitat’s journey in Canada began in 1985 with the first home built in Winkler, Manitoba. Just two years later, Winnipeg opened Canada’s first local Habitat chapter.

Today, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a leading national nonprofit. With local affiliates across every province and territory, volunteers and Habitat homeowners work together to provide thousands of families with a safe, healthy place to call home.

“Together, we build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.” — Habitat for Humanity Canada