Our Story

Home is the foundation on which we all build our lives — and since 1988, Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity has been working alongside families in Jackson and Washington Counties to make sure that foundation is within everyone's reach.

Together with our neighbors, volunteers, and community partners, we build new homes, repair existing ones, and help families access the affordable homeownership that makes everything else possible — stable health, stronger children, and a community where everyone can thrive.

We saw firsthand how much a safe, decent, affordable home matters when Hurricane Michael tore through our region. The road back starts at home, and we've been proud to build it alongside the people who call this place home.

None of this happens alone. It happens because people in our community — builders, donors, advocates, and future homeowners — choose to build something better, together.

Mission

Chipola Area Habitat works in partnership with God, and people from all walks of life, to build and renovate houses, so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which every person can experience God’s love and can live and grow into all that God intends.

Vision

Here at the Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity, we envision a world where everyone has a decent place
to live.

Values

  • Demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ.

  • Focus on Shelter.

  • Advocate for affordable housing.

  • Promote dignity and hope.

  • Support sustainable and transformational development.

Our Model

FUND

Donations from community companies, individuals, and faith groups fund Habitat home construction.

EDUCATE

Financial education courses prepare families for homeownership.

REINVEST

All mortgage payments are reinvested back into the program.

BUILD

Volunteers and homebuyers build homes, often with donated materials and labor.

BUY

Homebuyers purchase homes with favorable financing terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Families who are in need of decent, affordable housing apply for homeownership. The ability to repay an affordable mortgage or small loan, as well as the level of housing need and willingness to partner with Habitat, are among the selection criteria for becoming a Habitat homeowner.

    Homeownership Partners receive financial education and complete a minimum of 500 volunteer hours by building their own and other Habitat homes, providing retail assistance at the Habitat ReStore, or performing important tasks at the Habitat office.

  • We build homes in Jackson and Washington counties.

    Eligible applicants are those who live and/or work in Jackson County or Washington County, Florida.

  • No. Habitat does build new homes.

    We also work alongside families to rehabilitate and preserve existing homes needing repairs.

  • No. We welcome people with any skill level to volunteer with us on the build site, even beginners. On-site construction leaders train volunteers in all aspects of building.

    You do have to be at least 16 years old to work on a Habitat construction site.

    You can also volunteer and participate in a variety of other ways, from helping out in one of our ReStores, or serving on one of our committees.

  • Yes. We need donations to advance our mission of providing safe, decent affordable housing.

    We appreciate financial contributions, and donations generously made to our ReStores.

  • We operate two ReStores, which are retail thrift stores. We believe that everyone should be able to make dignified purchases.

    Revenue that is generated by our ReStores helps to build homes for families in Jackson and Washington counties.

  • Chipola Area Habitat is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization.

    While our mission is inspired by Christian principles, all who desire to be a part of our work are welcome — without regard to religious preference or background.

Board of Directors

  • Travis Ephriam

    President

  • Kevin Daniel

    Immediate Past President

  • Tracy Andrews

    Board Advisor

  • Brenda Whittington

    Secretary

  • Tammy Dean

    Treasurer

  • Isaiah Morgan

    Board Member

  • Paul Donofro, Jr.

    Board Member

  • Phyllis Daniels

    Board Member

  • Steve Whittington

    Board Member

  • Leon Kelly

    Board Member

  • Wayland Fulford

    Board Member

Affiliate Staff

  • Kevin Yoder

    Executive Director

  • Cynthia Williams

    Programs Director

  • Isaiah Morgan

    Construction Site Supervisor

  • Pete Fulton

    Construction Site Supervisor

  • Kim Sheff

    Office Assistant

  • Wanda Cox

    Volunteer Bookkeeper

Annual Report & Financials

Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity believes that transparency means trust. It means sharing the truth about our organization with our partners, ensuring fiscal responsibility which allows us to establish deeper bonds with our community. Use the links below to browse our most recent reports.