Executive Director, Chip Huston, Steps Down

Habitat for Humanity of Chester County (HfHCC) and Executive Director Charles L. “Chip” Huston, IV, has announced that he stepped down effective December 31, 2019. Chip has served as the Executive Director for over 17 years since joining the organization in 2002 and is one of the longest-serving Executive Directors of the Habitat International Affiliates.

“My commitment to the mission remains paramount in my life,” says Chip. “It has been a trying year of personal challenges that have kept me out of the office and away from the mission I love so dearly.  Habitat needs and deserves a full-time daily leader to address the issues that arise from the operations of the business. Right now, I am not able to give that effort. Stepping away at this time allows the Board of Habitat to secure the leadership needed as construction begins in earnest in West Grove and wraps up in Coatesville.”

During his 17 years as Executive Director, Chip’s leadership and advocacy in the community helped increase the impact of HfHCC on the need for affordable housing in Chester County. During his tenure as Executive Director, Habitat volunteers and donors built over 90 homes in partnership with families in need. Habitat will continue its mission with 40 more homes currently underway in the borough of West Grove, and 10 more in the City of Coatesville. HfHCC also opened a thrift shop in Caln Township called the Habitat ReStore that is still going strong today, which supports homebuilding efforts through its sales of new or gently used donated items. Chip also initiated a “land bank,” purchasing land as it became available for future home construction while the land was both available and affordable.

Outside of Chester County, Mr. Huston and his team led two trips to Louisiana to build three homes for Hurricane Katrina victims and has worked with former President Jimmy Carter on his annual Carter Work Project in Los Angeles. “The experiences gained over the past 17 years have been invaluable to me as a leader, but also as a person. Seeing the devastation in New Orleans was heartbreaking but building those houses and helping one of the neighbors repair her house was amazing. It seems so little in the grand scheme, but to those families, at that moment, it was a huge blessing.”

“We are grateful to Chip for all that he has done to benefit our communities through the years,” says Andrew Signore, Board President. “His dedication to providing affordable housing has changed the quality of life for so many people and has strengthened our neighborhoods and Chester County. His passion, dedication and commitment have been a driving force for HfHCC.”

As for the future, Chip will be taking time off, and deciding ways that he can continue to contribute to the community. “It’s been a long year and I need to get back to my full capabilities. I am not done helping people in Chester County. It’s my home and a place I love. One of the best places to live, work and raise a family in the United States. A door is closing but God has a plan so I look forward to the window He will open.”

On behalf of the HfHCC staff, Habitat homeowners and friends throughout the community, we say thank you to our friend Chip. We wish you good health and happiness!