About Middlesex Habitat
Who We Are
Middlesex Habitat for Humanity (MHFH) is a locally led, independent nonprofit serving communities across Middlesex County, Connecticut. Since 1996, we have partnered with individuals and households to build and preserve affordable homeownership opportunities—creating pathways to stability, equity, and long-term well-being.
We are part of the broader Habitat for Humanity network, but our work is shaped by the needs, relationships, and realities of the communities we serve locally. We recognize that access to housing has not been equitable, and we are committed to doing our part to address those disparities through thoughtful, community-centered work.
(You can see a list of our staff and board members here.)
What We Do
We build, rehabilitate, and preserve homes—and we work to remove the barriers that make safe, affordable housing out of reach for too many.
Our work goes beyond construction. We:
- Expand access to homeownership through affordable mortgage opportunities
- Provide financial education and support to help homeowners succeed long-term
- Advocate for policies that promote fair and equitable access to housing
- Are working to grow our impact by developing programs that support individuals in remaining safely and securely in their homes
We partner with individuals and households who are ready to invest in their future. Habitat homeowners purchase their homes with an affordable mortgage, participate in financial education, and work alongside volunteers as part of the building process.
How We Do It
Our work is made possible through a combination of community support, volunteer labor, and strategic partnerships.
We acquire land and properties through donations, municipalities, and other creative pathways, and we work with volunteers, contractors, and partners to build and rehabilitate homes that are safe, efficient, and built to last.
Homes are sold at no profit and financed with affordable mortgages. As homeowners make their monthly payments, those funds are reinvested to support future builds—creating a cycle of impact that extends beyond a single home.
We also operate the Habitat ReStore in Cromwell, a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center. The ReStore diverts usable materials from landfills, provides low-cost goods to the community, and generates revenue that directly supports our housing programs.
Why We Do It
We believe that housing is foundational.
Access to a safe, stable, and affordable home impacts health, education, financial stability, and overall well-being. Yet for many, that access has not been equitable due to longstanding systemic barriers.
We do this work to expand opportunity—to ensure that more people have a fair chance to build stability, invest in their future, and thrive.
Where We Work
We serve communities across Middlesex County, including: Centerbrook, Chester, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, Essex, East Haddam, East Hampton, Haddam, Higganum, Ivoryton, Middlefield, Middletown, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.
Our Commitment
Middlesex Habitat for Humanity is an equal housing organization. We follow HUD and Habitat for Humanity International guidelines in our homeowner selection process, prioritizing those with the greatest need while ensuring applicants demonstrate the ability to pay and willingness to partner.
We are committed to fostering an organization where people feel respected, included, and valued. We recognize that this is ongoing work and that we will continue to learn and improve.
We strive to ensure that our board, staff, volunteers, and partners reflect a broad range of perspectives and lived experiences—not just the familiar voices, but those who have not always been invited into these spaces.
We do not approach this work as a statement, but as a practice—grounded in how we make decisions, who we partner with, and how we show up in the community. We believe that respect and accountability go hand in hand, and both are essential to building a strong, inclusive organization.
Middlesex Habitat for Humanity is open to people of all backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs. We do not proselytize, and we are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive environment for all who engage with our work.
Middlesex Habitat for Humanity is part of a broader global network. The following provides context on the work of Habitat for Humanity worldwide.
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 as a grassroots effort rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to live. What began on a community farm in southern Georgia has grown into a global nonprofit working in communities across the United States and in more than 70 countries.
Habitat’s model is built on partnership. Individuals and households work alongside volunteers to build or improve a place they can call home. Homes are sold at no profit and financed with affordable mortgages, creating a path to long-term stability and investment in the future.
Through financial support, volunteering, and advocacy, communities come together to expand access to housing and create opportunities for more people to thrive.
Faith and Inclusion at Middlesex Habitat
Middlesex Habitat for Humanity is open to people of all backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs. We are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive environment for everyone who engages with our work.
We do not proselytize. Assistance is never conditioned on participation in religious activity, adherence to a particular faith, or engagement with messaging intended to influence personal beliefs.
We believe that housing brings people together—and that our work is strongest when it reflects the diversity, dignity, and lived experiences of the communities we serve.
“When people of all faiths and backgrounds unite in purpose, they create safe, welcoming homes where everyone can thrive.”
— MHFH Faith Committee