2026-2030 STRATEGIC PLAN

Approved June 2026

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity (“Habitat”), an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, was incorporated in 1988 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization to promote home ownership and provide affordable housing in Accomack and Northampton Counties.  Since that time Habitat has dedicated 57 houses across the two counties, allowing 57 families to purchase their first homes with an affordable mortgage.  The typical Habitat house includes 3-4 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen/dining and living/family rooms, and vinyl flooring throughout as well as an outdoor shed.  Each house comes equipped with appliances including a refrigerator, stove, washer and dryer.

Habitat is funded through private donations, fundraising activities, grants from organizations (i.e., United Way, Eastern Shore Community Foundation), mortgage payments from previously constructed houses, property purchase and construction funding reimbursement through USDA and volunteer labor from individuals, businesses, churches, high school and college work groups and other organizations.  Volunteers remain the backbone of Habitat, supporting construction, ReStore activities, fundraising and governance.

Mission

Reflecting the mission and values of Habitat for Humanity International, Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people everywhere to build quality affordable houses in local communities within Accomack and Northampton Counties.

Vision

Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity has a vision to consistently reduce substandard housing in Northampton and Accomack Counties and promote home ownership by providing opportunities for families to purchase quality affordable housing.

Principles (Values)

We strive to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ by:

• Promoting dignity and hope.
• Focusing on shelter.
• Advocating for affordable housing.
• Working in partnership with the local community.

Habitat’s mission recognizes the critical need for affordable housing in both Accomack and Northampton Counties.  Local businesses identify the lack of affordable housing as one challenge in supporting and expanding their workforce while County and Town governments see an expanded pool of affordable housing as critical to the Eastern Shore’s quality of life.

To address this need and to further its mission/vision, the Board of Directors of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity has identified the following areas of emphasis and expected outcomes.

Construction/Renovation

Outcome:  By 2030 construct four (4) single-family houses per year.

• Strategy: Identify and maintain through donation or purchase an inventory of no less than 12 building lots across the two counties to support the increase in the number of houses constructed.  Actively build an inventory of lots that allows housing construction in both Northampton and Accomack counties.
• Strategy: Streamline the construction process by balancing construction work that should be done by professional contractors with work that can be done by volunteers.
• Strategy: Establish a balance between modular and “stick build” homes to meet the goal of 4 homes per year while continuing to provide opportunities for a volunteer workforce.
• Strategy: Evaluate the need for 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes based on our applicant pool and community need.
• Strategy: Confirm our use of USDA as the primary funding and mortgage source for Habitat-constructed homes.  Annually evaluate the impact of USDA funding on affordability.
• Strategy: Manage and coordinate the family application process and selection timeline with construction calendars to allow full use of volunteer groups and reduce the time between family selection and family move-in.  Establish realistic expectations and identify opportunities for families to provide “sweat equity” without delaying family move-in.
• Strategy: Review opportunities for regional partnerships to support a veterans home ownership program.
• Strategy: Establish staffing levels to insure adequate project supervision and oversight for the expanded level of construction activity.
• Strategy: Expand the pool of volunteers (groups and individuals) supporting this construction volume by partnering with Eastern Shore churches and other organizations as well as those from outside our service area.

Outreach

Outcome:  Double the number of businesses, volunteers and volunteer groups providing support for construction, fundraising, and communication activities including labor, materials and other services.

• Strategy: Partner with local churches and other organization to provide volunteers for construction projects.
• Strategy: Continue to partner with groups outside Accomack and Northampton Counties to provide volunteer labor and support.
• Strategy: Expand the number of businesses providing funding or construction materials to Habitat.

Regional Partnerships

Outcome:  Expand regional partnerships with Northampton and Accomack counties, various towns and other entities to align regional goals, zoning, etc. to improve the number and quality of affordable housing units.

• Strategy: Attend board, commission and other organizations meetings to remain current on local and regional goals for affordable housing on the Eastern Shore.  Advocate for policies and investment that expand opportunities for home ownership and affordable housing.
• Strategy: Partner with local government or other non-profit groups for access to funding, infrastructure, property, etc. in support of Habitat’s mission and goals.

Fundraising

Outcome: Plan and execute a comprehensive fundraising campaign and multiple annual fundraising events to increase annual funds and/or endowment funds available to support the mission of Habitat. Align with communication plan/activities.

• Strategy: Over calendar years 2026-27 plan and begin the silent phase of a comprehensive fundraising campaign.  This will include:
  • Evaluating the benefits of partnering with Habitat for Humanity Virginia and its consultants to support our fundraising efforts.
  • Determining the length of the campaign.
  • Establishing annual fund and/or endowment goals for the campaign.
  • Identify and solicit lead donors, including the possibility of serving as campaign chair/co-chairs.
• Strategy: Plan and execute 4 fundraising events (golf tournament, etc.) per year to raise funds and maintain high visibility for Habitat.

Marketing and Communication

Outcome:  Develop a marketing and communication plan that promotes Habitat, its mission and goals on a monthly basis, keeping Habitat in the forefront of Eastern Shore activities.

• Strategy: Establish a marketing and communications staff position (hourly) to support all Habitat activities.
• Strategy: Align marketing and communications activities with both campaign and fundraising events.
• Strategy: Develop and execute a marketing and development plan to promote Habitat’s mission and programs including events, community outreach and volunteer and donor appreciation.
• Strategy: Strengthen relationships with businesses, community partners, civic groups, churches and others.
• Strategy: Prepare an annual report to assist in fundraising and development activities.

Organizational Effectiveness

Outcome: Maintain a sustainable organization supporting Habitat’s mission and goals.

• Strategy: Ensure a consistently effective and engaged Board of Directors by expanding the size, diversity and expertise of the Habitat governing board as necessary to support its overall mission and vision.
• Strategy: Evaluate the existing committee structure for need and functionality.
• Strategy: Ensure that appropriate resources (staff and funding) are in place to support Habitat’s mission.
• Strategy: Develop appropriate succession planning for the board, its committees, and operations and construction staff.
• Strategy: Building on the current success of the Restore and its leadership, develop and implement a five-year plan for the Restore to include evaluation of location, storage needs, pick-up and delivery options, staffing levels and other needs that might be identified by current Restore staff.

Progress against this strategic plan shall be reviewed quarterly.