Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity and Habitat for Humanity of Illinois Announce Merger to Expand Statewide Impact
CHICAGO (June 30, 2026) — Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity (CHFH) and Habitat for Humanity of Illinois (HFHIL) announced plans to merge, with an effective date of June 30, 2026. As two Affiliate Support Organizations serving local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, the unified organization will strengthen support systems, expand statewide reach, and increase access to affordable homeownership opportunities across Illinois. This strategic merger brings together complementary strengths, shared missions, and a deep commitment to empowering local affiliates.
“This merger represents an exciting step forward for Habitat in Illinois,” said Sarah Brachle Wagner, CEO of Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity, who will serve as CEO of the newly merged organization. “By coming together, we can amplify our support for local affiliates and accelerate our shared vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”
A Stronger Future for Illinois Communities
The integrated organization will maintain its focus on supporting local Habitat affiliates while enhancing its capacity to take on larger, more ambitious initiatives. Importantly, partners, donors, and affiliates can expect continuity in relationships and services, with no anticipated changes to how the organizations currently collaborate.
With a broader footprint and strengthened infrastructure, the merged organization will:
- Increase Impact: Combine networks, knowledge, and resources to serve more families and communities.
- Enhance Efficiency: Streamline operations to maximize the effectiveness of funding and programs.
- Expand Reach: Strengthen advocacy and support for affordable housing across Illinois.
- Ensure Sustainability: Build a more resilient organization positioned for long-term growth and innovation.
What This Means for Partners and Affiliates
The merger underscores a continued commitment to collaboration and partnership. CHFH and HFHIL will continue working closely with local affiliates, donors, and community stakeholders—now with expanded capacity and reach.
“This is about building more than organizational strength—it’s about building opportunity,” said J. Kelly Bufton, Board Chair of Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity. “Together, we are creating a stronger foundation to support the incredible work happening in communities across Illinois every day.”
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a movement of people in your local area and around the world, working together to build more prosperous and vibrant communities by making sure everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home. Since our founding in 1976 as a Christian organization, together we have helped more than 65 million people globally build their futures on their own terms through access to decent housing. We’ve done that by working alongside people of all walks of life to build, repair and finance their homes, by innovating new ways of building and financing, and by advocating for policies that make constructing and accessing housing easier for everyone. Together, we build homes, communities and hope. To learn more, visit chicagolandhabitat.org.