1988 - The First Conversations - A small group of committed volunteers began meeting at the Waukegan Public Library to explore permanent solutions to the housing needs in Lake County.
1989 We are Habitat for Humanity! - In March Bill Ward, Habitat for Humanity Midwest Manager, spoke at the first HFHLC public meeting in the home of Don and Mary Jo Blake in Waukegan. By June we voted Habitat for Humanity Lake County into existence at Immaculate Conception Church in Waukegan. Founders included Christa Metcalf, Julie and Jim Donovan, Christine Harrison, Paul and Fran Ohm, Bill McLaughlin, Rosa Prosen, Pat Lynch, Martha Floener, Laurie Kirwin and Bob Turley. First Congregational Church in Waukegan dedicated a room for office space in their parish house in June. By August Habitat for Humanity International accepted HFHLC as an affiliate. In August the State of Illinois approved the incorporation of HFHLC. By the end of the year we received our 501 c 3 status under the HFHI group exemption.