Who We Are

Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity (GGBHFH), originally known as Northeast Wisconsin Habitat for Humanity (NEWHFH) is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). As such, we follow the philosophy and operation guidelines setup by HFHI, but operate as a separate entity. Our affiliate is registered with the state of Wisconsin as a 501c(3) non-profit organization and is completely responsible for funding and building simple, decent and affordable homes in Brown County. GGBHFH is governed by a local board of directors who work closely with our Executive Director, Jeff Johnson to oversee a staff of four. Collectively, the board of directors and staff are responsible for family selection, fund-raising, public relations, site selection and construction, and family nurturing.

Our Mission

Seeking to put God's love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

Our History

In November 1983, Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity International, was invited to speak to a small group of people at Union Congregational Church in Green Bay. In November 1986, a committed group of people worked throughout the winter until October 1987 when Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity received its covenant from Habitat International and a Board of Directors was created. In June 1987 groundbreaking for the first home took place on Mather Street. By November the home was dedicated and ready for the first Habitat family in Green Bay.

October 27th, 1987- NEW (Northeast Wisconsin) Habitat for Humanity becomes an official affiliate

1995 - University of Wisconsin-Green Bay becomes nationally recognized campus chapter

1997 - St. Norbert College chapter established

1998 - Focus on energy efficient Habitat homes.

2000 - NEW Habitat re-named Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity

2009 - Green Bay ReStore opens at 2965 Ramada Way

2009 - GGBHFH celebrates 50th House built on December 18th!

2010 - We built 3 homes, including our "tightest" (5.5% energy star rating) home ever built at 1201 13th Ave.

2011- We are continuing to build our capacity to serve more and more needy families in our community. This year, we have plans to build 5 Habitat homes!

Our Purpose

Millions of Americans face a housing crisis. In fact, 5.1 million American families have “worst case” housing needs, are forced to pay more than half their income for housing, endure overcrowded conditions and/or live in houses with severe physical deficiencies. While the number of families in poverty housing is growing, the number of affordable rental units is shrinking, and most families who qualify for government housing assistance are not receiving any aid.

In Brown County alone, over 500 housing units lacked complete plumbing or kitchen facilities and more than 6,900 families are spending more than thirty-five percent of their gross income on rent. Because these families pay a high percentage of their income on rent, they are unable to save enough money for a down payment on a home and cannot qualify for conventional loans. Substandard housing can endanger the health and safety of its occupants, erode their hope and self-worth and impair their children's ability to succeed in school. Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity helps break the cycle of poverty and hopelessness in Brown County by partnering with low-income families to build decent homes that they can afford to own.