World Habitat Day & DAF Day: Transforming Lives, One Home at a Time with Habitat ChesCo

More than 30 years ago, the United Nations General Assembly made a landmark declaration: the first Monday in October would be World Habitat Day, a day to recognize that everyone deserves a decent place to live. This year, on Monday, October 6th, Habitat for Humanity of Chester County joins our global partners to celebrate housing as a human right and reaffirm our mission: to ensure everyone has a safe place to call home.

Housing is more than a roof over one’s head; it’s the foundation for health, opportunity, and financial stability. As we honor World Habitat Day and approach DAF Day on Thursday, October 9th, we invite you to make an impact through giving, volunteering, and supporting our local projects and global partnership in Guatemala.

World Habitat Day: Elevating the Power of Shelter

This World Habitat Day, on Monday, October 6th, we celebrate the power of housing to create healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities. Millions of people still face barriers to safe housing, and each of us has a role in solving this problem.

Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has helped more than 59 million people access secure homes that are affordable. But the need for quality housing is more urgent than ever. In honor of World Habitat Day, make a lasting impact by donating today to help families in Chester County secure safe housing and build brighter futures.

Our Tithe Partnership: Building Homes Across Borders 

Habitat ChesCo doesn’t just transform lives locally. Through our tithe partnership with Habitat for Humanity Guatemala, we’re helping families thousands of miles away achieve safe, dignified housing. In June 2024, our $1,500 tithe supported families in need. HFH Guatemala shared their gratitude: 

"Each contribution received represents a brick laid, a wall built, concrete floor, a safe roof, and, above all, renewed hope for those who can now proudly say, ‘This is my home!’ Thank you for walking alongside us and being an active part of this collective effort. Together, we have shown that when hands and hearts come together, we can transform lives and build stronger communities." – Martha Guillén Robleda, Executive Director, HFH Guatemala

FY25 Impact in Guatemala:

• 3,093 housing solutions delivered

• 20 community projects completed

• 765 concrete floors constructed

• 823 volunteers mobilized

• 2,204 people trained

• 51 Habitat communities supported

These numbers represent more than construction; they represent stability, opportunity, and stronger communities.

Be Part of the Solution DAF Day: Multiply Your Impact

On Thursday, October 9th, Habitat ChesCo is excited to participate in DAF Day, a national day of giving for donors using Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs). A DAF is a charitable savings account, like a 401(k) for giving, that allows donors to maximize their generosity with tax-advantaged contributions. DAFs let you give proactively, track impact, and manage donations all in one place.

Here’s how you can make the most of your DAF this year:

1. Get a DAF: Open an account with a verified DAF provider or set a reminder if you already have one.

2. Share Your Impact: Invite your network to give alongside you in support of Habitat for Humanity of Chester County.

3. Track Your Giving: Make your donation via the DAF Day Giving Page to see the real-time impact of your generosity. 

Alternatively, you can leave a gift in support of Habitat ChesCo here through our new secure giving portal that allows you to recommend a DAF grant directly. With just a few clicks, you can help ensure families have access to the life-changing opportunity of homeownership.

Top 5 Reasons People Use DAFs:

• Financial Benefits: Three layers of tax advantages help your giving dollars go further.

• Mindset Shift: Encourages intentional and proactive giving.

• Consistent Giving: Automate gifts and set clear goals.

• Streamlined Giving: All donations are in one place, with one tax receipt.

• Easier than Ever: Advances like DAFpay let you donate with a single click.

Visit the DAF day website to learn more about DAFs and explore whether one is right for your giving. 

Every planned gift, whether through DAF, your will, IRA, or another method, helps us build safe, stable homes in Chester County. Visit our planned giving page to explore your giving options. Please contact Christy Kane at christy@hfhcc.org or 610-384-7993 ext. 119 for personal guidance.

Other ways you can support Habitat ChesCo:

• Leave a planned gift through a DAF, your will, IRA, or another method.

• Volunteer to support our ReStores, builds, events, or community outreach efforts.

• Shop at or donate to our ReStores in Caln and Phoenixville to keep perfectly good items out of landfills and fuel our mission.

• Raise awareness about the need for stable housing in our community.

• Advocate for policies that create housing opportunities for all.

Together, we can help families break the cycle of unaffordable housing and proudly say, “This is my home!”