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History
In late 1982, a member of Binkley Baptist Church made the congregation aware of the opportunity for ecumenical cooperation to provide decent housing for residents in the area through Habitat. In February 1983, then Associate Minister Ed Huggins wrote to other ministers to create a study group and see the feasibility of starting an affiliate in Orange County. Subsequent meetings through 1983 at various churches in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough resulted in an agreement to seek incorporation and to become a Habitat for Humanity affiliate. As of April 1984, when Habitat for Humanity of Orange County was officially incorporated, there were only 25 or so Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the United States.
The first Habitat home in Orange County was a donated home that was moved to what is now known as the Chestnut Oaks neighborhood in Chapel Hill and rehabbed. Raising funds to build an entire home was a challenge for a new nonprofit. For three years, volunteers bartered for building supplies, including $30k worth of donated carpet. We have come a long way since that first home. Habitat has since constructed homes in ten neighborhoods across Orange County. For the first few years, we relied solely on volunteers to build one home per year. During the last fiscal year alone, hundreds of volunteers helped build 16 new homes with the support of full-time construction staff.
In 2024, Orange Habitat celebrated its 40th year as an affiliate. See below for some exciting milestones over the past 40 years, and to hear from some of the folks involved with the organization over time.
Our History
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County is founded
For the first five years of Orange Habitat’s history, it was solely run by volunteer efforts. Materials were traded to get the needed supplies to build the first few homes.
Susan Levy is hired as the first staff person
After operating on volunteer support for 6 years, Susan Levy is hired to serve as the first Executive Director. She would hold this position for 26 years, retiring in 2018.
UNC Chapel Hill Campus Chapter is founded
Until this time, the faith community was the primary source of volunteers. That changed once the UNC Chapel Hill Campus Chapter was founded. Today, UNC students are not only our largest group of volunteers, they also raise funds for the mission.
50th Orange Habitat home dedicated
The Martinez family moves into Habitat for Humanity’s 50th home build in Orange County. The home, located in the Chestnut Oaks neighborhood of Chapel Hill. was built in partnership with University Presbyterian Church and college student groups.
Celebration 2000 raises $1.6 million to complete 11 homes
The main goal of Celebration 2000 was to bring diverse groups of people together to build homes. The campaign ended on December 31, 1999 and rang in the new millennium with funds to build homes.
33 homes built in a week long blitz across the Triangle
As part of a week long blitz, three homes were built in Orange County, five each in Durham and Chatham counties, and 20 in Wake County.
A Brush with Kindness is formed
The affiliate starts investing in existing, non-Habitat homes in Orange County. The program originally was for beautification projects like painting and landscaping. Today, the Home Repair Program takes on critical repairs like heating and cooling, roof replacement, and accessibility modifications.
Hands for Habitat Partnership is formed
Students in Construction Trades at Orange High School spend class periods building on a Habitat construction site to gain real life experience. Many students who take the class end up working in the trades after graduation.
Orange Habitat builds 55+ community in Hillsborough
With a growing need for homes for seniors, Orange Habitat built a first of its kind senior community in Hillsborough, Crescent Magnolia. The 24-unit community which won an award in 2020 from the NC Housing Finance Agency, is fully ADA accessible with accommodations to age in place.
300th Home Dedication
Despite some pauses in construction due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Orange Habitat dedicated its 300th new construction home in the Spring of 2021. This home joined a dozen other Habitat homes in the historic Northside Neighborhood in Chapel Hill.
Vertical Construction Begins at Weavers Grove
22 years after the first parcel of land was purchased, volunteers begin construction at Weavers Grove in Chapel Hill.
40th Anniversary
Over the course of a year-long celebration, Orange Habitat celebrates 40 years of building homes, communities, and hope.
40 Voices of Orange Habitat
In 2024, Orange Habitat celebrates 40 years as an affiliate. We looked back and collected the stories of 40 donors, volunteers, homeowners, and community members who have been part of our mission since 1984. Meet some of the countless people who make Orange Habitat so special!
Tell Us Your Habitat Story!
We want to hear your stories! Fill out the form below to share with us your Habitat story.