Habitat For Humanity International
About Habitat For Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity of Columbus makes homeownership feel tangible, not out of reach. Qualified local households can buy a home with an affordable mortgage and sweat equity, while volunteers, donors, and student leaders help keep the work moving in Columbus, Nebraska. If you care about stable housing that starts with local people showing up for one another, this is the kind of effort that rewards your support.
What stands out here is how hands-on the path to homeownership is. Families move through education and sweat equity, while programs like Habitat for Heroes and the Campus Committee bring veterans and students into the work, not just as observers but as participants.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Habitat Homeownership Program
Qualified households apply for homes, complete orientation and homebuyer education, contribute 200 or 400 hours of sweat equity, and purchase a home with an affordable mortgage at a low interest rate.
Habitat for Heroes
An initiative aimed at helping local veterans and military personnel by building a new construction home for someone in need with military ties.
Family Support Committee
Supports affiliate families during the build process with orientation, budgeting and financial classes, a NeighborWorks home ownership class, the Thrivent Money Canvas savings program, and savings classes for children.
Campus Committee
Provides high school students an opportunity to make a positive influence through projects, fundraising, workdays, and student leadership.
Global Impact Program
Offers support for Habitat's Global Impact Fund and participation in Global Village mission trips.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Habitat for Humanity of Columbus brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
Who they serve
Qualified individuals and families in Columbus, Nebraska seeking affordable homeownership, including local veterans and military families.
Their impact
- Since 2010, the affiliate has rehabbed one home and built eighteen new homes in Columbus and one in Schuyler.
- Since 2010, 19 Habitat-built homes have helped 20 adults and more than 50 children thrive in decent, affordable housing.
- In FY25, 428 volunteers contributed 2,390 hours.
- More than $45,000 in mortgage payments were received in FY25.
How your donation helps
- Construction of the next Habitat house
- One square foot of a home through Club 82 annual giving
- The New Hope 3 capital campaign to prepare 20+ acres of land and build more than 30 new homes
- Donations of materials or services for local home builds
- Sponsorships for annual fundraisers
Our story
Founded in 2010, Habitat for Humanity of Columbus started by helping local households purchase homes with affordable, interest-free mortgages. Since then, it has grown into new home construction, family support during the build process, veteran initiatives, student involvement, and capital campaigns to add more housing in Columbus.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Habitat For Humanity International’s services.
People interested in housing complete the application or contact the affiliate, attend one of two orientation sessions, and submit income, credit, debt, and supporting documents by the late-summer deadline. Applications are reviewed for housing need, ability to pay, willingness to partner, and readiness for homeownership.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
Volunteers are the key to unlocking the dreams of homeownership for deserving families.
I have always found the Habitat for Humanity program to be inspirational and heart-warming! I believe EVERY PERSON should have a place to call "home", that feels safe and provides security for themselves and their family.
Events
Habitat FORE! Humanity Golf Scramble
annualAnnual golf fundraiser held at Elks Country Club in Columbus.
Paint it Pink
first held in FY25A women’s fundraising event held during FY25.
Brews & Blush
A fundraising event noted in the FY25 annual report.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Habitat For Humanity International has shared.
Current needs
- Volunteers for build days and committee work
- Financial or material donations for local home construction
- Sponsorships for annual fundraisers
- Support for the New Hope 3 capital campaign
Volunteer opportunities
- Build days for home construction
- Lot maintenance, mowing, weed control, and work-site pickup
- Campus Committee leadership and project work for students
- Global Village mission trips
- Family Support Committee assistance during the build process
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How do people apply for Habitat housing?
Applicants complete the housing application or contact the affiliate, attend one of two orientation sessions, and turn in the required supporting documents by the late-summer deadline.
What is sweat equity?
Future homebuyers contribute 200 hours if single or 400 hours if married before purchasing their home, including work like lot maintenance and helping on the build site.
What kinds of volunteer work are available?
Volunteers can help with home construction, lot maintenance, committee work, student leadership through the Campus Committee, and Global Village mission trips.
Similar nonprofits
Other housing development, construction & management nonprofits in NE.