Columbia-Greene Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to create opportunities for average income individuals and families in Columbia and Greene counties to own safe, efficient, affordable homes. Columbia-Greene Habitat has built twenty-seven homes for families throughout Columbia County, and with the recent expansion into Greene County, is poised to increase the number of homes and homeownership opportunities created each year. Columbia-Greene Habitat for Humanity’s Rural Starter Home Initiative is a replicable and scalable model of housing development that seeks to balance affordability, sustainability, and quality. These energy-efficient starter homes are designed to fit in with the mostly rural communities the organization serves, be built in small clusters, offer greater density and better meet the demand for housing in the two counties.
Key Programs:
- Home Ownership – Habitat assists average income families through every step to owning their own home, from first-time home-buyer education classes to ensure sustained homeownership, to ‘sweat equity’ volunteer work building their and other Habitat homes.
- Home Repair Program – This program assists low- and average-income homeowners who are at risk of losing their homes due to an inability to pay for needed safety or accessibility repairs.
- ReStore – ReStore is a home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, building materials, and appliances at a fraction of the retail price while creating living wage jobs, generating revenue to support Habitat’s work, and saving countless items from landfills.
Dyson Foundation grants in 2025:
- Designated support toward repair and maintenance for homeowners – $35,000
- General operating support – $80,000 over 2 years
- Capacity-building grant for strategic planning – $10,000
Funding Themes:
- Safety Net
- Strengthening Nonprofits