Habitat for Humanity Lake County is a Christian housing ministry which welcomes all people dedicated to building decent, affordable housing for families in need, while empowering families to help themselves. HFHLC builds partnerships with diverse members of the community which breaks down the walls that divide and then builds a sense of community among all people. HFHLC seeks to make safe, simple, decent housing for all people a matter of conscience and action. Habitat for Humanity Lake County (HFHLC) is an affiliate of Habitat International. As an affiliate, HFHLC is an independent 501 (c) (3) organization governed by a local Board of Directors. The board reflects leadership and ethnic diversity unique to Lake County.
In March 1989 Bill Ward, Habitat for Humanity Midwest Manager, spoke at the first HFHLC public meeting in the home of Don and Mary Jo Blake in Waukegan. By June we voted Habitat for Humanity Lake County into existence at Immaculate Conception Church in Waukegan. Founders included Christa Metcalf, Julie and Jim Donovan, Christine Harrison, Paul and Fran Ohm, Bill McLaughlin, Rosa Prosen, Pat Lynch, Martha Floener, Laurie Kirwin and Bob Turley. First Congregational Church in Waukegan dedicated a room for office space in their parish house in June. By August Habitat for Humanity International accepted HFHLC as an affiliate. In August the State of Illinois approved the incorporation of HFHLC. By the end of the year we received our 501 c 3 status under the HFHI group exemption.
