FVHH began in 1989 as a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Over the years we have grown to be able to build more homes each year because the need continues to be so important and because our partners support our mission. In 2020, despite the COVID pandemic, FVHH opened our ReStore that sells gently used merchandise that everyone needs at very low prices. The profits generated from this ReStore will be used to expand our mission to more families of building affordable homes for those in need. 

Another major change is addressing the dramatic need for affordable housing for Veterans and seniors. Approximately 728,000 veterans currently live in Illinois. 34 percent are living at or below the median annual income level and 8% survive on an annual income of $10,000 to $15,000. Our heroes need affordable housing. This project will aggressively address the needs of veterans,” stated Jeffrey Barrett, Fox Valley Habitat CEO.

Since FVHH has been doing this for over 30 years and built homes for 69 families locally as of 2021, we have seen first-hand the life transformation for the parents but even more so for the children. Research shows that public assistance drops dramatically and that the children benefit greatly from home ownership instead of the transiency of renting. This is reflected in their academic success, attending college, happiness, lower crime, involvement their community and in breaking the cycle of poverty.

Operation Home America

We currently have a letter of intent to purchase 50+ acres in Yorkville. This community will have both single–family homes and duplexes for 100+ families earning 30-80% of the Average Median Income. Each family will have to contribute up to 500 hours in FVHH’s Sweat Equity and Pay It Forward program. They must help build the homes of others before they can work on their own home. They will also participate in our 20-hour course on financial literacy to be taught how to manage their limited income. These future owners will also participate in donating volunteer hours with approved nonprofits to benefit the community. This community will be comprised of up to 75% Veterans and will include a community center of support which will benefit the needs of the residents by providing programs such as veteran assistance, senior assistance, financial literacy, counseling, employment assistance and recreation. These families will never pay more than 30% of their family income. Because their mortgage is affordable, they can now thrive instead of survive.

Make Your Next Real Estate Transaction Make a Difference

At no cost to themselves, anyone who cares about veterans and families in Illinois can turn virtually any brokered real estate transaction into funding for FVHH. For example, the purchase or sale of a $300,000 home can result in about $1,300 of free funding. Support the mission of FVHH by using IIC’s free platform to make arrangements with an agent you already have in mind. Or use IIC to find and choose among real estate agents that are appropriate for the specifics of your residential or commercial real estate needs.