John Paukstis on How Habitat for Humanity is Changing the Way We Approach Affordable Housing

Through the Noise #125

John Paukstis // Executive Director // Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland

Housing insecurity is one of the greatest problems facing millions of Americans today and the lack of safe, quality, affordable housing invites a host of other problems that can affect one’s health as well as limit access to employment and healthy food. Fortunately there are many creative and thoughtful people working on this and we have one of them in the studio today. John Paukstis of Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland joins us for a conversation about the unique approach Habitat takes to tackling the problem of housing and how they involve businesses and community members in the solutions. With a massive volunteer base through Habitat for Humanity International, the organization has turned affordable housing on its head. Can you guess how many defaults the Maryland affiliate has faced since they got into the business in 1982? 50? 100? 500?

John has served as Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland since 2006. Originally from the South Side of Chicago where he worked in a family owned printing business prior to assuming executive roles at Safeguard Business Systems and becoming CEO of McBee Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of accounting forms, payroll services, and the development of digital printing in partnership with the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel. As well, he was the facilitator of CEO Roundtable groups in Philadelphia and strategic planning throughout the U.S. John owned and operated building construction businesses in Florida prior to relocating to Maryland.

Habitat sells homes to working people in certain income ranges. Habitat provides a long-term zero interest mortgage to qualified families.