One of the first home builds
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County became an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International when a few local people got together because they wanted to make a difference in affordable housing in DeKalb County. In 1998, the first home was built, located in Sycamore. Throughout the years construction has consisted of mainly single story homes with one two-story home built in 1999. Several years later the first rehab was done located in Sycamore. In 2024, a new adventure took place where a historic home was donated but had to be moved. So Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County did just that….they moved a house! With the help of DeKalb County History Center the Hired Man’s House was relocated from Sycamore to the Pleasant Street neighborhood in DeKalb. This was not just a historic house, but a historic moment for Habitat as it was not anything that had been done in the organization. And in the future another home is scheduled to be built in the Pleasant Street neighborhood. Home locations are DeKalb, Fairdale, Genoa, Kingston, Malta, and Sycamore.
In 2023 a new project took off called Home Preservation/Critical Home Repair where homes that are currently occupied have the opportunity to have crucial repairs done through the assistance of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County. These projects will assist homeowners the opportunity to be able to safely remain and live in their home. A project they are incredibly proud to be part of in partnership with DeKalb Township, City of DeKalb, and Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County was started by volunteers and continues to be a volunteer-led nonprofit which relies on donations and volunteers from the DeKalb County and beyond. Corporate partners have become another vital piece of the affiliate along with various construction and trade volunteers. Since 2021, Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County (HFHDC) has raised approximately $75,000 through Give DeKalb County, thanks to DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnerships (DCNP). DCNP has been a vital support for HFHDC connecting the affiliate with many networking opportunities and partnerships with other local nonprofits. In 2023, HFHDC hired their first full-time executive director that has taken the affiliate to new horizons and branched them out further across DeKalb County including an incredible partnership with DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. Thanks to the Gather group and the Chamber, HFHDC has been able to meet and partner with so many other Chamber members that have been on the build site, provided financial or in-kind donations, and created many networking opportunities.
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County celebrates DeKalb Chamber of Commerce on their 100 years in DeKalb County and are so grateful to have been a Chamber member for a good portion of the past 25+ years!
Community gathered for ground breaking of a new home & Celebrating 25 years of building homes
John Horst, General Contractor of 15 of 18 builds receives award from Gil Larimer & Give DeKalb County with new ED
Home receives new ramp through Home Preservation Program & Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County moved a house!