Kearney Area Habitat For Humanity

Check out our website at: http://habitat.kearney.net/

In 1991, a handful of men, in a weekly bible study, felt moved to help folks who were faced with deficient living conditions in their homes because of medical issues. One homeowner needed a sink fastened back to the wall. After the sink was installed, the owner did little more than grunt a thanks and then pointed out other issues that needed to be repaired. Discouraged by this response, but still feeling the need to respond to persons in need, Jim McKenzie went home that day and just by coincidence saw a TV program about Jimmy Carter and an organization called Habitat for Humanity. After some research, he invited three other men, Joe Methe, Bill Ballou and Jerry Marlatt to spend a day in Omaha with him to look at what Omaha was doing. They spent the day touring and learning about the Omaha Habitat Affiliate from Dale Oatman, the Omaha Building Superintendent.

Back in Kearney, these enthusiastic men did some advertising and held an informational meeting at the Salvation Army. Not knowing what to expect, they set up chairs for fifty, thinking they might be overly optimistic. That night, more than 75 people showed up. With a response like that, Habitat for Humanity was launched in Kearney.

KAHFH reached a major milestone with the completion of the 50th home at 1912 7 Avenue was dedicated on November 21, 2008.

By the end of 2012, another three homes were built and dedicated to bring the total to 64 homes in just under 20 years, quite an accomplishment for an all-volunteer organization. KAHFH  celebrated 20 years of building with an Anniversary Banquet on February 18, 2012 with Ken Klein from Habitat for Humanity International.

Learn more about the Kearney Area Habitat for Humanity and see pictures check out our website at: http://habitat.kearney.net/