Habitat for Humanity Tops U.S. Homebuilder Rankings

Washington County Habitat for Humanity (WCHFH) completed one home in 2011, and had two others under construction, helping its national organization to rank as the sixth largest builder in the U.S., according to an annual survey completed by BUILDER magazine. 

“We’re part of an umbrella organization that is providing radical change across the country when it comes to homeownership, and that’s a good thing,” said Tony Gacek, executive director of WCHFH. 

“Studies show homeownership is a needed hand up to break the cycle of poverty in our community and we’re slowly chipping away at it," he said. "Our partner families are given the chance to live the American dream, and they truly deserve it. We work with some amazing people.”

BUILDER, a publication for the residential construction industry, annually compiles data from U.S. builders and ranks them by the number of closings.

Habitat built or rehabilitated 4,970 homes across the U.S. and is the only non-publicly traded company in the top 10 ranking. The organization made an additional 2,795 house repairs to existing homes, which were not accounted for in the survey.

“I’m very proud of the work of our more than 1,500 affiliates in the U.S.,” said Jonathan Reckford, Habitat for Humanity International CEO. “The fact that they are continuing to build and rehab homes in these difficult economic times is a testament to their resourcefulness and their commitment to families, affordable housing and the communities they serve. We are grateful to our donors and volunteers whose generosity makes this work possible.”

Habitat ranked sixth on the list last year and first made the top 10 in 2010 as the eighth largest builder.

This year, WCHFH completed and closed on its 47th home since its founding in 1989. House No. 48 is currently under construction and the group looks to break ground on its 49th house in the very near future.

“It’s an exciting time to be a part of Habitat for Humanity,” said Gacek. “I’m always moved by the passion and dedication of our homeowners, our volunteers, and our supporters and sponsors.

"With our affiliate’s 50th home on the horizon, and HFHI’s 500,000+ homes completed around the world, it goes to show you that we are working at an organization that is making an impactful change in our society. It’s a big deal and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

For a complete list of rankings, click here.

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