2026 Annual Report: 40 Years
A Snapshot of the Past 40 Years…
1986
We broke ground on the first Fort Wayne Habitat home for Future Homeowner Cecilia Thomas. Cecilia was a single mom to three daughters and dreamt of a safe, stable home for her girls without the fear of rent going up.
In 2009, we celebrated with Cecilia when she fully paid off her house! She is still thriving in her home today and stops by current Habitat builds from time to time to say hello.
Habitat Home Dedications
Home dedications are more than just handing over the keys to a family’s new home and cutting a ribbon. Each dedication is an opportunity to celebrate the commitment and investment Habitat families make for themselves and their families, while also honoring the people and organizations who make each home possible.
1996
Huntington University students raised $10,000 and volunteered to build a home on Frederick Street.
When Habitat acquired the lot on Frederick Street, the road had been plotted by the city, but never developed. Huntington students and volunteers helped clear overgrown brush to prepare it for Star Excavating to come in and develop the street for multiple Habitat homes.
Women Build
In 2007, the first Women Build volunteer groups joined us on the construction site and began fundraising for Habitat families.
Donated Land
In 2002, Associated Churches donated a lot for Habitat to build on. Obtaining land remains one of the largest barriers to building affordable homes today.
Wells Street ReStore
In 2014, the ReStore was thriving on Wells Street in Fort Wayne, offering the community discounted home improvement products.
2008
A new tradition began in 2008 with the Holiday Houses for Habitat attraction and fundraiser. Hundreds of snow village homes donated by Dave Ridderheim were showcased for the public to enjoy throughout the holiday season. Original layout design by Dale Strebig and concept by Dan O’Connell.
Fuller’s Landing
In 2014, the Fuller’s Landing subdivision was in full swing off Cook Road in Fort Wayne. This neighborhood was unique because it was an entire neighborhood of Habitat homes where neighbors could support neighbors during and after their work in the Homeownership Program.
2017
In 2017, three dedicated Habitat affiliates united their legacies of service into one impactful organization. Fort Wayne Habitat, Wells County Habitat, and Huntington County Habitat came together to form what is now Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne.
By combining our resources, expertise, and passion, we are doing even more together than we ever could alone!
200th Home
In 2017, Habitat built its 200th home for the Stevenson family. The walls of the home were built through a community Panel Build in downtown Fort Wayne.
Recycling Cans
Our can recycling program has been around for over a decade! Students and community members have helped paint can sheds, and many volunteers have collected aluminum cans to help us raise money to build homes.
New ReStore Location
In 2018, the Habitat ReStore moved from Wells Street to a brand-new building on Lima Road. This new location enabled us to better serve the community and raise more funds for building Habitat homes.
