Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
The idea of a global movement to build homes and community was conceived in the deep south on Koinonia Farm in the late 1960s, amid hatred, violence and discrimination. Koinonia Farm was a humble, integrated farming cooperative in southern Georgia. The black and white residents of Koinonia Farm were victims of bombings, persecution and terrorism because of their strong justice beliefs, including equal pay. Habitat for Humanity was inspired by Koinonia Farm founder Reverend Clarence Jordan, made a reality by Millard and Linda Fuller and brought to national attention by President Jimmy Carter. The idea of bringing together people, from all walks of life, to pick up a hammer as an instrument love and build houses around the world, was an extension of the deep belief in inclusivity held on the farm.
At Habitat for Humanity of Dane County (Habitat Dane), we know our strength and success rely on people who come together to make a difference. While our core mission is building homes, community and hope, Habitat promotes racial equity and strives to increase diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of our organization. We are committed to an organization free of of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, national or ethnic origin, politics, or veteran status. To that end, we are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff, board, volunteers, and partners, and to fostering an inclusiveness within our network.
Over the last 32 years, Habitat Dane has partnered with a diverse group of more than 300 families of modest means to achieve stability through homeownership. Through related financial capability training, home repair, as well as, home building, Habitat has served more than 1,336 people through homes and 2,500 through all programs. Habitat Dane also partners with Habitat El Salvador to support their home building and financial capability program.
Habitat Dane partners with a diverse population, with nearly 60% of partner families being people of color. In the last four years, Habitat was a founding partner in the Non-profit Equity Coalition (NPEC), operates with two affirmative action plans, is subject to fair lending and fair housing laws, provides continuing education to staff in diversity and inclusion, and is active in diversity and inclusion initiatives in several organizations throughout the community. Together we embrace our common humanity, as we work side by side building a community where everyone has a decent, safe, and affordable place to call home.
Habitat Statistics to Demonstrate our Progress
Note: Wis/Dane population race statistics are presented as percentage of those races who are homeowners, so do not add to 100. Habitat race statistics presented as percentage of habitat homeowners who report they are of those races. *Habitat partner family stats since January 2016.