The Yates County chapter of Habitat for Humanity began in 1989. First Baptist Church of Penn Yan Pastor John R. Tharp began his Penn Yan ministry here in 1988. He came with experience with Habitat for Humanity and began expressing an interest in beginning a chapter here in Yates County. In 1989 he and several other ministers and lay people met to discuss this. At the meeting, they passed a hat and raised $6. By 1992 they had raised enough money to start their first house. In 2020 they will have completed their 18th home.

 

Habitat for Humanity, began in 1976 to reach out to those who desperately wanted but could not afford decent housing. Built on the Christian concept of concern for one another, Habitat offers a way of bringing together those who need help and those who can give help.

Houses are built as an expression of ministry to people in need. Materials, labor, and money are sought for the building of these homes which are sold to deserving people. Families are also expected to contribute several hours of “sweat equity” toward the building of their new home. No government money is used.