Updated June 6, 2008

A home designed to recognize and appreciate the historical designs of the Capital Environs District was dedicated at 1511 D Street on June 7, 2008. Because this home is in a neighborhood within the view of the Capital, the design required special architectural details. This is the new home of Martha Esquivel and her 21 year-old son, Jesse Esquivel. The Esquivels completed 400 hours of volunteer service and will pay back the basic construction costs of the home through a no-interest loan with Habitat. The home was made possible by the sponsorship of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

A handicap accessible home with design donated by Sinclair Hille Architects and framing labor donated by Brester Construction, Inc. was also dedicated at 4129 W Thatcher Circle. This home was sponsored by a matching grant from Habitat for Humanity International. The local matching funds were raised from area congregations of various faiths. Corrina Muratella and her four children will be the homeowners. The family completed 300 hours of volunteer service and will pay back the basic construction costs of the home through a no-interest loan with Habitat.

  Lincoln/Lancaster County Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit housing ministry dedicated to providing safe, affordable housing for families in need. Construction of Habitat homes is a partnership between sponsors, volunteers and future homeowners. It is estimated that there are 670 families in need of safe housing in the Lincoln area.

Inspired by a group of cyclists that rode through Nebraska promoting Habitat for Humanity International, a small group of concerned people established the Lincoln/Lancaster County Habitat for Humanity Affiliate 20 years ago. These citizens recognized the growing need for affordable and decent housing for families in need.

The first Habitat home was built in the summer of 1988. Tragically, the mother of the family partnering for the home died before the family was able to move into the home. The father was able to maintain the mortgage payments on their Habitat home and successfully raise his two children on his own. The children both have served in the armed forces and are now successfully launched into productive adult lives; a testament to how stable, permanent housing can impact a family

The local Habitat group continued to build one to two homes each year for several years eventually growing to the point of hiring an executive director and construction manager. Currently six to eight homes are built each year.

Over 90 Habitat homes have now been built in Lincoln/Lancaster County, housing 135 adults and 286 children. Thanks to the vision of those who put their faith into action 20 years ago, the people of our area continue to give hope a new address.

Habitat volunteer, Glen Lawrenson, offered his professional talents to update, redesign and "spruce up" Lincoln/Lancaster County Habitat for Humanity's webpage.  We hope you like our new look and can find the news and information that you are looking for.  Please email any comments or feedback regarding the new page to llchabitat@windstream.net