May 06 2026
We gathered bright and early on Lillie Street with volunteers, community partners, Future Homeowners, and staff to raise the very first walls of the 2026-27 build season.
This year, we celebrate an incredible milestone at Habitat GFW: 40 years of putting God’s love into action by building homes, communities, and hope across Allen, Huntington, and Wells counties. We’re also celebrating a historical season to come…34 Habitat homes, the largest season in our organization’s history!
As we celebrate 40 years of service, we are filled with gratitude for the families, volunteers, donors, and community partners who have made this work possible. Affordable homeownership creates stability, builds generational wealth, and strengthens our entire community.
Melissa McKown
Habitat GFW CEO
Habitat CEO + 6th District City Councilwoman
Future Homeowners with Habitat staff
Thank you Brotherhood Mutual volunteers
For four decades, Habitat GFW has helped families move from renting and instability to ownership and long-term security. Thanks to their partnership with the City of Fort Wayne, 49 previously empty lots in Southeast Fort Wayne are now homeowner-occupied properties, with 20 more lots in progress, and 41 lots owned by Habitat GFW for future builds.
Your generosity and commitment have given hope to families like me who once wondered if a safe and stable home would ever be possible. You help create space where kids can dream without limitations, parents can breathe a little easier, and communities can grow stronger together.
Lashunda G.
Future Habitat Homeowner
For Lashunda, Habitat is more than a path to homeownership; it represents renewed hope in our community and a true sense of belonging.
After having both knees replaced, Lashunda wasn’t sure how she would fulfill her construction sweat equity hours. But after meeting Habitat’s construction site managers, she never felt limited or left behind. Each day, the team created meaningful ways for her to contribute on the job site, ensuring she felt valued as part of the work. Because of their support, Lashunda showed up every day knowing she mattered.
“Because of Habitat, I never felt like I was on the sidelines—I felt like I truly belonged. Everyone has a role to play in building something meaningful. No matter our limitations, no matter our circumstances, there is always a way to contribute. Because of you, children will grow up in safe, nurturing spaces. Parents will find stability and peace of mind. And the neighborhood will continue to grow with strength, pride, and connections.”
As part of its 40th anniversary, Habitat GFW will be expanding its impact with the launch of a new Critical Repair Program later this year. While new home construction remains central to Habitat’s mission, the organization also recognizes the growing need to help vulnerable homeowners remain safely housed.
The program will primarily serve low‑income homeowners, including seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, who are financially or physically unable to keep up with critical home repairs. By addressing urgent needs, the program will help homeowners remain safe, secure, and independent in the homes they already love while filling a gap in services for homeowners who often lack access to affordable repair solutions.
More information to come as we develop this new program. If you are in need of a repair, please apply for repairs through NeighborLink at neighborlink.org.
We’re just getting started this season, and there’s still so much work to do. Whether you swing a hammer, sponsor a build, or simply share our mission with a friend—you’re part of something powerful. Every home we build, every hour volunteered, and every dollar donated helps open doors for local families.
Meet some of the Habitat families who are being transformed through affordable homeownership.
Browse photos and amenities of Habitat GFW homes and view our current floor plans.
Help build a Habitat home — no experience necessary! Our construction staff and crew leads will teach you everything you need to know during your volunteer shift.
