About Us
Habitat for Humanity of Portage County is a ecumenical Christian ministry serving throughout Portage County by working with qualified persons with housing needs to help them create a better community in which to live and work, cooperating with other charitable organizations through donations, grants and other resources to develop a better habitat for God’s people in need.
History and Accomplishments
Habitat for Humanity of Portage County (HFHPC) had its beginnings in the mid-1980s when Dr. David Palmstrom, his wife Jane, and Rev. Don Preslan responded to local need for affordable housing. Working through several churches, they identified people interested in forming a Habitat affiliate. The affiliate was approved in 1988, and in 1989 the first project, renovations on a home in Kent, was accomplished.
HFHPC has built over 50 single-family homes throughout Portage County and has also taken an active role in improving facilities for other community organizations. These projects include the construction of the Miller House homeless shelter in Kent and several projects for the King Kennedy Center in Ravenna Township.
The Portage County affiliate celebrated 20 years of service to Portage County in 2008. In 2009, HFHPC was honored as “Small Affiliate of the Year” by Habitat for Humanity of Ohio. HFHPC also celebrated the completion of its 50th house in May 2009.
HFHPC was recently recognized by the Portage Park District Foundation with the 2011 Green Building Award: for energy efficiency in building and for the Kent ReStore providing an innovative re-use program for building materials and for their active volunteerism in the community.
