Builder J. Ronald Terwilliger is giving $100 million of his personal money to Habitat for Humanity.

Home builder J. Ronald Terwilliger is giving $100 million of his personal money to Habitat for Humanity International.

The gift represents the largest contribution by an individual in Habitat for Humanity’s history. The group estimates it will help 60,000 families improve their living conditions.

“We are humbled by and grateful for the unprecedented commitment Ron is making to Habitat for Humanity. It’s a solid demonstration of the passion he has for our mission and for decent, affordable housing throughout the world,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity. “Thanks to his generous spirit, tens of thousands of families will enjoy greater access to simple, decent, affordable shelter worldwide. Habitat for Humanity is truly honored to be entrusted with this gift and will faithfully help Ron put into action the commitment he has to adequate housing and to low-income families.” 

Terwilliger is chairman of Trammell Crow Residential, one of the nation’s largest multifamily housing developers. He also sits as chairman of Habitat’s board of directors.

“In my professional life, I’ve seen housing strengthen health, education, families, communities and economies,” Terwilliger said. “With this legacy gift to Habitat for Humanity, I want to help ensure a leveraged, sustained impact beyond my lifetime and inspire others to make the commitment to support affordable housing. There are more than 1.6 billion people around the world who live in poverty housing and they need our help.”