Expand the base of support for Habitat for Humanity Seattle/South King County with the goal of  building relationships and strengthening the connection of young professionals to the mission of Habitat.

HYP is aimed at mobilizing Seattle area young professionals to aid Habitat for Humanity Seattle/South King County's mission to eliminate poverty housing. By combining time, resources and talents; HYP aims to help address the region’s need for affordable housing. In King County, only 20% of the housing stock is affordable to households below 80% of area median income.  Habitat for Humanity is changing this: since 1986, Habitat for Humanity of Seattle/South King County has completed over 150 homes in partnership with area families. 

Seattle has a very diverse population of socially conscious young professionals who share a common desire to give back to the community.  HYP brings resourceful young professionals together through coordinated fundraising, marketing, volunteerism, community involvement, and social networking events.  This motivated group of volunteers impacts Habitat not only in the present, but for generations to come by cultivating lifelong donors and developing future leaders within its ranks.

Habitat and HYP strive to provide affordable housing not only locally but globally as well. Ten percent of funds raised for Habitat for Humanity Seattle/South King County are tithed to support Habitat for Humanity's international home building efforts.  In 2009, Habitat for Humanity Seattle/South King County tithed to Mexico, Philippines, Tajikistan and Kenya. In the future, HYP hopes to provide opportunities to attend habitat builds domestically as well as internationally through global village trips.

Recently, Young Professional groups have developed as extensions of many established non profits and as independent organizations meant to engage young professionals in community building. The first Habitat Young Professionals groups started at the Austin and Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity Affiliates.  Seattle HYP was the brainchild of Seattle/South King County Habitat Board Member, Brian Chung. In 2006, a UW graduate student conducted a feasibility study for Brian’s idea and recommended the formation of Seattle HYP. The Steering Committee began meeting in early 2008 and was composed of self-selecting individuals interested in expanding Young Professionals’ involvement in Habitat.