PITTSBURGH, Penn. (March 23, 2022) — Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh is pleased to announce it is the recipient of a major gift from philanthropist and author Mackenzie Scott. The unrestricted $2,500,000 is the largest gift ever received by Habitat Pittsburgh. This transformational donation will substantially help further Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has equitable access to a safe, decent and affordable place to call home. In previous posts on her Medium blog, Ms. Scott has written that she and her advisers select nonprofits that have a track record of carrying out their missions successfully, and has explained her decision to give unrestricted, general operating gifts as a way to give charity leaders maximum flexibility.
Dr. Howard B. Slaughter, Jr., who has been at the helm of Habitat Pittsburgh for six years next month said, “When initially contacted, I was guardedly reserved, but quickly realized this was truly an authentic once-in-a- lifetime opportunity and a blessing from God! This gift will enable Habitat Pittsburgh to bolster our work and empower us to assist a greater number of families seeking homeownership. A portion of the gift will establish a first-time endowment; that will strengthen our ability to continue making homeownership attainable for women, minorities, marginalized and disadvantaged families for years to come.”
Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) also received a substantial donation along with 83 other U.S. Habitat Affiliate organizations, for a total gift of $436 million across the ministry. There was no formal application process; Ms. Scott and her team did their own extensive due diligence on each Habitat Affiliate to determine which ones to gift. Habitat for Humanity International communicated with the donor’s team and provided information on the network; such as high community need, affiliate program successes, participation in innovative network initiatives, a record of good standing and good governance practices.
In the past six years, 95% of Habitat Pittsburgh’s mortgage recipients were African-Americans, who are increasing equity and amassing generational wealth. Many of Habitat Pittsburgh homeowners are women- headed households. Habitat Pittsburgh will continue providing affordable homeownership for families in need.
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About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh’s mission is to eliminate substandard housing throughout Allegheny County by bringing people together to build, rehabilitate, and repair homes. We are an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a global nonprofit driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live. To learn more, visit www.pittsburghhabitat.org
About Habitat for Humanity International
Since its founding in 1976, the Christian housing organization has grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit www.habitat.org.