Rich History
Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County embarked on its mission in 1991, marking the beginning of a journey to provide affordable housing for the community. Our first house was proudly built on East 13th Street in Cheyenne. To commemorate our 5th anniversary in 1996, we ambitiously constructed five homes, reflecting our commitment to making a significant impact.
In 2004, we launched the Blueprint for the Future program at Central High School, engaging students in hands-on learning and community service. This program not only educated young people about construction and teamwork but also contributed to our goal of building more homes. Today, Central, East, and South bus their Construction students to the build site to complete hands-on learning throughout the school year.
2009 saw the opening of our ReStore on Ames Ave, a retail outlet that sells donated building materials, furniture, and appliances at affordable prices. The proceeds from ReStore sales support our mission, helping to fund the construction of more homes and ensuring sustainability.
By 2010, we celebrated the milestone of having built 30 houses since our inception, a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our supporters. In 2016, we expanded our services with the introduction of the Repairs Program, formerly known as "A Brush With Kindness." This initiative provides critical home repairs for low-income homeowners, improving safety and quality of life.
In 2020, the ReStore relocated to a more spacious and accessible site on 15th Street, enhancing our ability to serve the community. 2021 was a year of significant growth. That year we proudly became a Veteran's Build Affiliate, focusing on providing housing solutions for veterans. Additionally, we launched the Fresh Start Program, aimed at offering vouchers to individuals transitioning to stable housing.
Habitat has significantly increased its Advocacy efforts for affordable housing, both in Cheyenne and throughout Wyoming. We are actively pushing for zoning and policy changes to make building more affordable and streamlined. Additionally, we are advocating for the establishment of funding programs, such as a state housing trust fund and a land bank bill, to support the development of affordable housing.
As we grow, Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County continues to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter, transforming lives and communities.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy
Since its founding in 1991, Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County Inc. (HFHLCI) has celebrated and prioritized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Our affiliate is deeply committed to ensuring DEI is a strategic priority through our operations, programming, and advocacy. HFHLCI will routinely update DEI language and resources following the evolving needs of our organization and those we seek to serve.
HFHLCI defines DEI as follows:
Diversity: Celebrating, representing, and valuing the differences of those we work with and serve in Laramie County Wyoming.
Equity: Creating processes and practices that ensure everyone involved gets what they need to achieve greater access and fairness in treatment and outcomes.
Inclusion: Committing to including the voices and needs of our diverse workforce, and residents to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope.