About us
What is Palouse Habitat for Humanity?
Palouse Habitat for Humanity is the local, independent Habitat affiliate serving Latah County, Idaho and Whitman County, Washington.
Our mission
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
Our vision: a world where everyone has a decent and durable place to live.
You can count on us to help bring the Palouse community together to meet our neighbors’ housing needs with integrity, compassion, sustainability and professionalism.
- Demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ
- Focus on shelter
- Advocate for affordable housing
- Promote dignity and hope
- Support sustainable and transformational development
Habitat follows a non-proselytizing policy: assistance is never conditioned on faith, and no one is required to adhere to or convert to any belief to receive help or take part.
Three decades of local work
Three decades of local work
Every home is purchased with an affordable mortgage and built with hundreds of hours of the family’s own sweat equity beside volunteers and neighbors.
See the 2024 resultsPart of a global movement
Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 in Americus, Georgia, founded by Millard and Linda Fuller. Palouse Habitat is one of its independent local affiliates, and a share of local donations tithes forward to build homes worldwide. To date, that tithe has helped build 67 homes beyond the Palouse.
Independent and local
Local affiliates operate within the Habitat Affiliate Covenant. Habitat International shares branding, research, and marketing support, but decisions about homes, families, and funds on the Palouse are made here, by local people.
Run by this community
A volunteer Board of Directors of 12 to 15 local members governs the affiliate, supported by a small staff of about seven and standing committees for construction, development, faith relations, homeowner selection, homeowner support, and site selection.
common questions
Frequently asked questions
Answers below come from Palouse Habitat's published FAQ.
Does Habitat give away homes for free?
No. The homeownership program offers an affordable mortgage, not a free house. Families pay for their homes and work hard for them by performing sweat equity during the build.
Who can own a Habitat home?
The primary criteria are the ability to pay, the need for housing, and the willingness to partner. Palouse Habitat is an Equal Opportunity Lender and Fair Housing organization. People of any faith, or none, are welcome to apply, and no one is ever asked to adopt or listen to any religious message.
What does a typical Palouse Habitat home look like?
A single-story home around 1,200 square feet with 2 to 4 bedrooms, built to a visitability standard: wide hallways and doorways, an accessible bathroom, and zero-step entry where the lot allows. Efficient electric heating, low-E windows, and high-value insulation keep future utility bills affordable.
Are Habitat homes built to the same standards as other homes?
Yes. Every home must meet or surpass local building codes and pass the same city or county inspections as any other new home. Volunteers are trained and supervised, and licensed professionals handle plumbing, electrical, and roofing.
Is owning a Habitat home more expensive than renting?
Mortgage payments, including principal, taxes, and insurance, run about 20 to 30% of total household income, so payments stay affordable. Homeowners also contribute $1,000 toward closing costs during the build.
How long does a build take, and who does the work?
About ten months, building three days a week. Between 200 and 250 community volunteers help build each home, from the regular Codger Crew to one-time groups from local businesses, churches, and service organizations.
Where does the money come from?
Funds are raised locally: ReStore proceeds, the annual Beans 'n' Jeans dinner and auction, Cornerstone Donors, other local gifts, and federal and state sources.
the people doing the work
Staff, board, and volunteers
Most homes involve 200 to 250 volunteers from across the Palouse.
Habitat office
- Jennifer WallaceExecutive Director
- Deanna BrenDevelopment Director
- Maja JovanovichConstruction Manager
- Brendan CasslemanConstruction Site Supervisor
- Virginia MartinsonOutreach Coordinator
- TammyHomeowner Services ManagerJoined July 2026
ReStore
- Josh PaparazzoReStore Manager
- Brice McLaughlinAssistant ReStore Manager
- Jay HarrisPick Up and Delivery Lead
- Q TaylorPick Up and Delivery Crew
- Maureen WardleReStore Cashier
- Mikayla PrattReStore Cashier
Board of Directors, 2026
Board of Directors
More resources
More about the organization
History, people, governance, policies, careers, FAQs, and global engagement.
Our story
The story of Palouse Habitat and the community that built it.
Open resourceHistory
Milestones and organizational history.
Open resourceStaff
Staff directory, biographies, and photos.
Open resourceBoard of Directors
Leadership biographies and the complete current board record.
Open resourcePolicies and forms
Governance, public policies, and downloadable organizational documents.
Open resourceCareers
Current and historical hiring information from Palouse Habitat.
Open resourceFrequently asked questions
Answers about the organization, programs, homes, ReStore, and participation.
Open resourceGlobal engagement
How local support connects with Habitat's wider international mission.
Open resourceJoin the work
Get involved with Palouse Habitat.
Volunteer, give, or shop the ReStore. Each one supports local housing.