Chapter History

University of Michigan Habitat for Humanity (UMHFH) was founded in the fall of 1996 by then first year graduate student Michael A. Carr and sophomore Eric J. Allenspach.

University of Michigan Habitat for Humanity was founded as an official chapter of Habitat for Humanity International. In 1999, our first student-built house was finally made possible, with the help of grants totaling $40,000 from Johnson and Johnson and Best Buy.

For the past fifteen years, the University of Michigan chapter has co-sponsored a house with other Ann Arbor organizations, and we are the largest contributor. Throughout the year, we build with our Huron Valley affiliate and offer many opportunities for UM students to volunteer. We help over 300 students volunteer to build on Habitat houses each year. Led by a core of 14 students, our general membership consists of about 30 students.

Besides building, student members also volunteer on Sundays cooking and serving at the Delonis Center. Yearly events include a Beat OSU 5K, Skate Nights, bar nights, and restaurant nights. HFHUM also participates in campus based activities such as K-Grams Kids Fair, Goodness Day, and Relay for Life.

Recent accomplishments include participation in the 2003 Detroit Blitz Build, Habitat for Humanity International Best Practice Chapter Status in 2002 and 2003 and local fundraising in excess of $24,000 during the 2002-2003 year to contribute toward our house and help offset our organizational expenses.

Information compiled from chapter historical records and documents by Jim Kumon in October 2003. Revised 5/11.