Linda and Millard left the comfort of suburban family life and moved to rural southwest Georgia with the goal of putting their Christian values into action. They were drawn to the work of farmer and theologian Clarence Jordan. In 1942, Jordan had formed Koinonia Farm which he described as a “demonstration plot for the kingdom of God.” The Fuller’s were intrigued by this community of cooperative farming and Jordan’s dedication to the idea of “partnership housing:” a concept of building simple homes in partnership with rural neighbors who did not qualify for traditional home loans.

The “partnership housing” concept became a reality when the first home was dedicated in 1969. By 1973 the success of “partnership housing” in the United States inspired the Fullers to broaden the program’s reach into Africa. Working for several years as missionaries in the country of Zaire, their dedication to the partnership housing program helped replace unsanitary mud-and-thatch homes with healthier concrete block homes.

In 1976, just over ten years since the Fullers initially began their journey toward personal and spiritual fulfillment, they returned to the U.S. and founded Habitat for Humanity International. The success of the partnership housing movement in both the Southern U.S. and Africa served as the impetus to create an organization that could thrive on an even larger geographic scale. Today, Habitat For Humanity affiliates exist worldwide.

The organization defines itself as “a non-profit Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of consciousness and action.” People of all backgrounds, races, religions and non-religions are invited to build houses in partnership with families in need.

Today, Habitat affiliates are formed when concerned citizens address housing problems in their communities. They research affordable housing and resources, and evaluate the potential success of the Habitat self-help model. If the group wants to move forward, they apply for affiliation status through The Habitat For Humanity International headquarters located in Americus, Georgia. Once affiliation has been established, Habitat’s administrative headquarters in Atlanta provides support and training.

The work of Habitat For Humanity has been called “the barn raising of the 20th century,” a modern version of faith-based neighborly unity around the issue of housing. To date, Habitat For Humanity International volunteers have built over 300,000 homes; an estimated 1.5 million people in over 3000 communities around the world now have access to affordable, decent and safe housing. Though the organization’s roots are solidly Christian, it is notable that potential Habitat affiliates and homeowners are accepted without regard to religious beliefs -- a fact that honors the true spirit of Christianity and is in keeping with Habitat For Humanity’s founding tenant that “Gods love extends to everyone.”