Haines Family Foundation announces $3 million donation to Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia

The Haines Family Foundation, a private foundation dedicated to supporting education, health, human service, and environmental initiatives, announced today a $3 million donation to Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia in support of the organization’s efforts to help Philadelphians build or improve a place they can call home, while uniting the city around the cause of affordable housing.

The announcement comes after the Haines Family Foundation’s strategic decision earlier this year to sunset after 30 years of philanthropy. The Foundation will have awarded more than $20 million in grants to nonprofits in Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey—to help promote education access, improve individuals’ health and well-being, and strengthen communities.

Holly Haines with future homeowners at Diamond Park groundbreaking in 2016. | Photo by Habitat Philadelphia

“As a Habitat volunteer since 2010, I have seen first-hand the need for affordable housing in Philadelphia and the tangible impact a secure, stable home makes,” said Holly Haines, the Foundation’s President.  “In building new homes, preparing families for homeownership and repairing existing homes, Habitat Philadelphia is meeting the needs of the community. But there is much more to be done, and we hope this donation will fuel the incredible work Habitat is doing and inspire others to join in our efforts to support safe and affordable housing for all.”

Holly Haines with homeowners Sintayehu and Birhane at their home dedication in 2012. | Photo by Ellie Seif

This donation will directly support the construction of new Habitat homes in West Philadelphia, which will provide significant access to safe and affordable housing for a minimum of 28 families. In addition, this donation will offer long-term support to grow Habitat’s home rehabilitation pipeline, expanding the geographic and demographic reach of its work, and the vetting and retaining of qualified staff to grow the organization’s capacity.

Frank Monaghan, Holly Haines, and Janice Wong at Habitat Philadelphia’s Building Hope Luncheon in 2019, holding the annual Good Neighbor Award. | Photo by Ellie Seif

The Haines Family Foundation has now contributed over $5.8 million, transforming the lives of hundreds of families in need. The milestone gift comes as Habitat Philadelphia prepares to celebrate 40 years of impact in 2025.

“We are forever grateful to Holly Haines and the Haines Family Foundation—for this incredibly impactful investment—and the years of passionate volunteerism, leadership and commitment to improving our communities,” said Corinne O’Connell, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia. “Safe, affordable homes change lives. This donation means more families can make the shift from existing to thriving.”

Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia has built and sold 265 affordable homes to first-time home buyers in Philadelphia and served nearly 1,000 households through its critical home repairs program.

The Haines Family Foundation has worked tirelessly since 1995 to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities across the Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia area. The Foundation’s mission has been to support initiatives that promote education access, improve individuals’ health and well-being, and strengthen communities.

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About Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia transforms lives and our city by building and repairing quality homes in partnership with families in need and by uniting all Philadelphians around the cause of affordable housing. Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia has built and sold 265 energy-efficient homes to first-time home buyers and served nearly 1,000 households through its critical home repairs program. For more information, visit www.habitatphiladelphia.org