Contact:
Please direct any questions, concerns, or comments regarding our chapter of Habitat directly to us at the contact information below.
Email: habitatotsego@gmail.com
Phone: 607-432-7874
Mail: Habitat for Humanity of Otsego County 403-B Chestnut Street Oneonta, NY 13820
About:
Habitat for Humanity of Otsego County (HFHOC) is a nonprofit housing organization working in communities within Otsego County, NY. Governed by a board of dedicated volunteers, our purpose is to build simple, decent homes for local families who meet our partnership criteria.
HFHOC strives to give families “a hand-up, not a hand-out.” Habitat partners with individuals and families to build simple, safe houses, and assists with the purchasing process. Building costs are minimized by our dedicated volunteers who contribute hours and hours of labor. Due to the generous donations of labor and money, the actual cost of building each house is considerably lower than the appraised (sale price) value. While we do receive money from the closing when a sale if finalized, it is not a full reimbursement for the cost of building the house.
HFHOC is run by volunteers who are committed to help neighbors and improve the quality of life in Otsego County, NY. We always welcome like-minded individuals to join us on the job-site, serving on the board, or volunteering for simple projects or committees. Please see our volunteer information page for details on how to get involved.
Watch a video about HFHOC featured on WKTV News Channel 2 out of Utica, NY on April 11, 2022:
Board of Directors:
Jerry Blechman, President
Karyn Wendrow, Vice President
Bill O’Dea, Treasurer
Dominick Love, Assistant Treasurer
Alicia Rohan, Secretary
Barb Dauria
Jared Shue
Dorothy Rombo
Tom Tillapaugh
Steve Walsh
Colleen Webb
Nancy Wolters
We meet the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the Elm Park Methodist Church in Oneonta, NY. The board welcomes guests for any board meeting! Please email us at habitatotsego@gmail.com if you’d like to attend a meeting.
Mission:
We believe and act on the following premises:
- Every family has the right to a simple, decent, affordable home.
- A simple, decent home is a necessary ingredient for building a strong family.
- Strong families are the backbone of good neighborhoods.
- Good neighborhoods are the cornerstone of strong, caring communities.
- All are welcome regardless of race, religion, gender, age, or political views.
As a Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) affiliate we share their vision of “a world where everyone has a decent place to live and their mission “seeking to put God’s love into action.” Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
History:
Habitat for Humanity of Otsego County was established in 1989 as the “Northern Susquehanna” affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. our first build was on Reynolds St. in Oneonta in 1990-1991. In 1996 the Northern Susquehanna chapter divided into affiliates in Delaware, Broome, Chenango, and Otsego Counties. We also partner with collegiate chapters at SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College. For over 30 years we have helped over 30 families obtain decent, affordable homes throughout Otsego County, NY.
Non-proselytizing policy
Habitat for Humanity and its affiliate organizations will not proselytize. Nor will Habitat work with entities or individuals who insist on proselytizing as part of their work with Habitat. This means that Habitat will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must adhere to or convert to a particular faith or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.