
WHO WE ARE
Habitat for Humanity, initially called Partnership Housing, was incorporated in 1976. It was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable, and affordable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all.
Habitat for Humanity is not a giveaway program. Habitat’s families buy the houses that Habitat builds and renovates. Habitat ensures the monthly housing payment will not exceed 30% of a family's monthly income, and often extends 0% interest mortgages to make that possible. Habitat homeowners also invest hundreds of hours of their own labor working alongside volunteers. With teams of volunteers and "sweat equity" contributed by owners, local Habitat affiliates have helped provide decent, affordable housing to over 49 million families in all 50 U.S. states and more than 70 other countries. Habitat for Humanity International is headquartered in Atlanta, GA.
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Habitat for Humanity Virginia, as the state office, supports the efforts of local affiliates by providing training, technical assistance, and other resources that will empower them to serve their clientele more effectively and efficiently. Habitat Virginia also advocates at state and national levels for legislation and funding to expand affordable housing options across Virginia.
Locally in Virginia, there are 39 affiliates of Habitat for Humanity building and rehabbing homes every day, serving hard-working families in the Commonwealth. To get in touch with your local affiliate, you can find them here.
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If you have more questions, please feel free to contact our staff.
OUR TEAM
Overton McGehee, Executive Director
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Casey Reed, Deputy Director
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Patricia Hott, Senior Program Manager
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Gwen Christmas, Project Manager
gchristmas@habitatvirginia.org
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Marcia Joseph, Project Manager
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Jonathan Lantz-Trissel, Solar Project Manager
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Monty Shepardson, Major Gifts Officer
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Cathy Plageman, Major Gifts Officer
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Ashley Falconer, Bookkeeper
Abby Kupstas, AmeriCorps VISTA
akupstas@habitatvirginia.org​​​​​​​
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OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jayne Johnson, Chair
Executive Director, Greater Fredericksburg Habitat
Former member of the U.S. Council of Habitat for Humanity International
Mike Hawkins, Vice-Chair and Chair-Elect
Retired Managing Director for Community Outreach, Virginia Housing
Mary Kay Huss, Treasurer
Retired CEO, Richmond Metropolitan Habitat
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Bob Adams
Founder, HD Consultants
Former Executive Director of the National Low Income Housing Coalition
Natasha Stewart
Director of Mission, United Way of South Hampton Roads
Mimi Mitchell
CEO, Volunteer Hampton Roads
Orlando Artze
Retired Vice President, Southeast Region for the Local Initiatives Support Corporation
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Brian Clark
Former construction Manager, Habitat of the Roanoke Valley
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Jeanie Barbrow
Retired Single Family Housing Program Director, USDA Rural Development
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