Chemung County Habitat for Humanity

Chemung County Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and HOPE. Habitat for Humanity helps families build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter, and we believe strong families build strong communities. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Habitat homeowners must qualify for an affordable mortgage with payments no more than 30 percent of their income. When families achieve homeownership through our program, it changes their lives for the better. They have safe, affordable homes and no longer have to choose between paying for housing and basic necessities, such as health care, reliable transportation, or nutritious food. In New York State, one out of five households pay more than half of their income on housing, and the need is great for more affordable housing right here in Chemung County. Currently, we have six families waiting for a Habitat home. We welcome your financial support, your voice and your time because every donation helps a family help themselves, and every helping hand makes a difference. 

Who We Are

Chemung County Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a global, nonprofit housing organization working in nearly 1,400 communities across the United States and in approximately 70 countries around the world.

In 1989, a group of concerned and committed citizens gathered to discuss forming an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International in Chemung County. This group had two primary concerns: the growing number of families in Chemung County that were classified as low-income “working poor” and more than 50 percent of the houses in the City of Elmira were non-owner occupied rental properties. Since its inception, more than 25 families have found safe, affordable housing through Chemung County Habitat for Humanity; however, there is still much to be done.

Our affiliate continues to grow and offer more services to help those in need in our community. We are dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing information and access to resources that help families improve their shelter conditions.

All are Welcome! Chemung County Habitat for Humanity has an open-door policy. We are willing to partner with all who believe in our vision, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, political views or any of the other distinctions that too often divide us.