Habitat for Humanity International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing and homelessness from the world and making decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Since its founding in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity International has built and rehabilitated nearly 300,000 houses while providing shelter for more than 1.5 million people in need to become a world leader in addressing the issues of poverty and affordable housing.In 1984, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn took their first Habitat work trip, the Jimmy Carter Work Project, to New York City. Their personal involvement in Habitat's mission brought the organization national visibility and sparked interest in Habitat's work across the nation. Since the early 1980s, Habitat for Humanity International has experienced a dramatic increase in the number of new affiliates around the country. Currently, there are more than 1,700 affiliates in the United States in addition to nearly 500 international affiliates providing shelter in approximately 3,000 communities worldwide.In 1989, community leaders in Springfield, Illinois, took the initiative to establish this extraordinary ministry in Sangamon County. As an approved affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County is directly responsible for all aspects of Habitat homebuilding in its local area: fund raising, site selection, family selection and family support, construction, and mortgage servicing.Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County is a community-driven nonprofit organization that develops working partnerships with local businesses, churches, community groups and other individuals to successfully tackle a significant social problem—affordable, safe and decent housing for all. Since its founding in 1989, Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County has built over 85 houses in the local community (including builds in Pawnee, Glenarm, and Grandview as well as in Springfield) while providing shelter for more than 300 individuals in need.