1904 Wilt Street

One North Philadelphia row home served as a proving ground for the Habitat model in Philadelphia and has created safety and stability for two different families over 40 years. 

In August of 1985, Habitat for Humanity North Central Philadelphia (as the affiliate was called at the time) broke ground on a renovation project at 1904 Wilt Street, a vacant property that would become the first of hundreds of homes built and sold by Habitat Philadelphia.

Leo Gabriel and Howard Caskey at the Wilt St groundbreaking, 1985

It had been less than a year since a group of grassroots organizers rooted in local faith communities had formed the fledging Habitat for Humanity affiliate, led by founding Executive Director Jim Tyree. Driven to act on the need for safe, affordable housing in Philadelphia, this small but committed group would transform 1904 Wilt Street and create an opportunity for a family with deep roots in the neighborhood.

Habitat Philadelphia’s first volunteers rehabbing 1904 Wilt St

Mary and Eddie Butler had been renting on Wilt Street for 20 years and took pride in building up their neighbors. They desired a place to call their own and bravely partnered with the fledging Habitat affiliate. Working and learning alongside the early Habitat leaders, the Butlers would officially purchase their home in 1987, marked by a celebration attended by Habitat for Humanity International co-founder, Millard Fuller. 

Mary Butler and Millard Fuller, co-founder of Habitat for Humanity International, inside 1904 Wilt Street in 1987.

On the happy occasion, Mary remarked, “This new home is like heaven. There wasn’t anything good in my old house but me and my husband.” 

Mary would transfer the home back to Habitat after Eddie passed, and in 1993, Illona Johnson became the second Habitat homeowner to purchase 1904 Wilt Street.  

Illona raised her son, William, in the home and loves having her five grandchildren over to the house for birthdays and holidays. She has been a fantastic partner over the years, sharing her story with incoming homeowners and with supporters at the Building Hope Luncheon.  

Illona Johnson is the second Habitat Philadelphia homeowner to live at 1904 Wilt St

She appreciates the focus Habitat for Humanity has on working alongside homeowners and has seen the impact Habitat Philadelphia has had in the neighborhood – “a nice, safe place for families and children.” 

1904 Wilt Street will always hold a special place in Habitat Philadelphia’s history – a brick and mortar testament to a simple idea, an audacious goal, and a legacy built on love.