About
Our Story
Few communities in Oklahoma are in as much need for decent, affordable housing as Muskogee. Muskogee, once a mecca of music and commerce has endured some difficult seasons. Founded in 1872 as a Railway Station, the only in Muscogee Nation, was established on the Texas Road which we now know as Cherokee Street. The town was incorporated in March of 1898 and in 1900 the population stood at just over 4200 people.
Muskogee took center stage in late 1969 as Merle Haggard and the Strangers released their song entitled “Okie from Muskogee”. Merle himself hailed from California but his parents were true “Okies” living in Checotah just 20 miles from Muskogee.
Currently, according to the US Census Bureau 2020, 24% of Muskogee’s citizens are impoverished. The U.S. poverty rate (2023) is 11.1%. This elevated rate leaves the community with many needs, not the least of which is decent, affordable housing.
In 1993, Habitat for Humanity was ushered into the community. Muskogee Habitat for Humanity has completed 38 homes since our inception and countless home repairs during our 30 years. We thrive on community support and volunteers. Our mission is simple, Muskogee Habitat is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. Muskogee Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all.
EVERYONE NEEDS A PLACE TO CALL HOME.