Founded in 1997, Habitat for Humanity of Rensselaer County is one of 1,600 Habitat affiliates nationwide. Since its inception, HFHRC has strived to build one house per year and, with the help of volunteers and donations, hopes to increase that number to three houses every two years.

Rensselaer County partner families are selected on the basis of need, ability to pay for their homes, and a willingness to participate in the construction of their and others’ homes. Partner families’ incomes are usually between 40 and 70 percent of the median income for our area.

Much of the support for HFHRC comes from churches, schools, and civic groups. Our most important supporters, though, are individuals from throughout the county. Volunteers provide most of the labor, and individual and corporate donors provide money and materials to build Habitat houses.

Habitat for Humanity has made a difference in the lives of five families throughout Rensselaer County. Selected families contribute 400 hours toward construction and pay the full cost of their mortgages, insurances, and taxes. Loans are interest free.

“I am in awe that God has blessed me with a house. Habitat is a wonderful organization. I am so happy to be a part of it.”
—Wendy Archambeault, Habitat homeowner

Six committees work closely with the board of directors to implement our goal of building houses in Rensselaer County for families in need:

Family Selection Committee develops processes and policies for selecting those in greatest need. They look at three criteria: need for adequate housing, the applicant's ability to pay for the home and expenses, and their willingness to partner with Habitat.

Family Partnering Committee helps families manage problems and adjust to home ownership by providing them with a mutual support system, educational opportunities, and a forum for discussion.

Site Selection Committee helps select an area where property is readily available at a reasonable cost and recommends property for acquisition to the board.

Building Committee works with the Site Selection Committee to select the type of construction that best fits the needs of the local community and Habitat's goals. They recommend house design criteria, materials and amenities for the work, and develop a construction plan and cost estimates. They also oversee the construction of each Habitat House.

Volunteer Committee coordinates volunteers for building Habitat houses. They work with churches, businesses, service groups, and others to obtain Habitat volunteers.

Development Committee assumes the leadership for implementing the public relations and fundraising policies and goals of the board of directors. They develop church, individual, corporate, and civic sponsorship; carry on direct mailing campaigns; recommend fundraising ideas to the board; and publicize fundraising and other events.