Atlanta – October 07, 2026 -- Habitat for Humanity International has named 44 volunteers from 21 countries as its 2026 honorees, recognizing their work building homes, mobilizing communities and advocating for affordable housing during the organization's 50th anniversary year.
Twelve volunteers earned global recognition out of more than 300 regional nominations
In Jordan, Fadi Miqdady led efforts to build 78 homes, rehabilitate more than 370 others and improve water access in remote villages. In South Korea, Sean Ro organized public running and walking campaigns that engaged tens of thousands of participants and raised approximately $5.7 million to support housing for descendants of independence patriots and war veterans. In Kenya, Roseline Asena mobilized residents of the Mukuru Informal Settlement to push for adequate housing, helping bring local priorities into national policy discussions.
Indonesia's Edwin Soeryadjaya mobilized over 270 business leaders
Through the CEO Build initiative, Soeryadjaya expanded corporate participation in housing solutions. In the United States, Eva Condron-Wells strengthened organizational capacity and advocacy behind a 107-home development in rural California. Bob Schultz, also in the U.S., has logged more than 15,000 volunteer hours and used his electrical and construction expertise to help Habitat serve more than 450 families.
Guatemala's Víctor Oswaldo Martínez Flores has volunteered for 47 years
Martínez Flores helped establish Habitat for Humanity Guatemala and remains active in the organization nearly five decades later. In Canada, Wayne Richard has contributed 26 years of ReStore service, testing donated electrical products and mentoring volunteers and students. Steven Lindquist applied his technical skills to modernize inventory and donor tracking systems at Milwaukee Habitat.
Habitat also named 32 regional honorees across nine award categories
Categories included Back in Action, Bridge Builder, Changemaker, Community Catalyst, Community Cornerstone, Door Opener, Emerging Leader, Lifetime Keystone and ReStore. Regional honorees span countries including Nepal, Zambia, Ethiopia, Egypt, Honduras, Romania, Paraguay, Lesotho, India, Chile and Ireland.
"One volunteer's impact can extend across a community, inspire others, change systems, and open doors to housing solutions that endure," said Jonathan Reckford, chief executive officer at Habitat for Humanity International.
The recognitions coincide with the United Nations' International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.