Pictured above: Founders Millard and Linda Fuller
Photo credit for all images: HFHI file photos and Koinonia Farm
Habitat for Humanity International, Inc.
Mission
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
Vision
A world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Guiding Principles
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Demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ.
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Focus on shelter.
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Advocate for affordable housing.
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Promote dignity and hope.
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Support sustainable and transformative development.
Brief History
Habitat for Humanity is a movement of people in your local area and around the world, working together to build more prosperous and vibrant communities by making sure everyone has a decent, safe, affordable place to call home. Since our founding in 1976 as a Christian organization, together we have helped more than 65 million people globally build their futures on their own terms through access to decent housing. We’ve done that by working alongside people of all walks of life to build, repair and finance their homes, by innovating new ways of building and financing, and by advocating for policies that make constructing and accessing housing easier for everyone. Together, we build homes, communities and hope. Since its founding, Habitat for Humanity has helped millions of people around the world improve their living conditions through affordable housing opportunities and community development initiatives.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity International, please visit its official website.
Non-Proselytizing Policy
Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations do not proselytize, meaning we do not attempt to persuade individuals to adopt a particular faith or religious belief as a condition of receiving assistance. Likewise, Habitat will not partner with organizations or individuals who require religious conversion or participation in religious activities as part of their work with Habitat.
Habitat provides assistance regardless of religious belief, background, or affiliation. Assistance is never offered on the condition that individuals adhere to, convert to, or participate in any particular faith tradition. Our work is rooted in demonstrating God's love through service while respecting the dignity, beliefs, and choices of every individual and family we serve.
Habitat for Humanity's Roots in Americus
Habitat for Humanity International was officially founded in Americus, Georgia, in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller. However, the organization's roots trace back to nearby Koinonia Farm, an interracial Christian community where the concept of "partnership housing" and the original Fund for Humanity were first developed. The connection between Habitat for Humanity and Americus remains strong today. The international organization's headquarters is located in Americus at 322 West Lamar Street, reinforcing the city's important role in Habitat's history and ongoing mission. Located just outside Americus, Koinonia Farm was founded by biblical scholar Clarence Jordan. It was there that Jordan and the Fullers pioneered Habitat's innovative model of building affordable homes in partnership with families, volunteers, and community supporters while creating revolving funds to finance future home construction. What began as a grassroots effort in rural Southwest Georgia has grown into a global housing ministry serving communities in all 50 states and more than 70 countries. Today, Habitat for Humanity continues its mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope around the world.
The Carters
and Habitat for Humanity
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter were among Habitat for Humanity's most dedicated and influential volunteers. Beginning in 1984 in their home state of Georgia, the Carters devoted decades of service to advancing Habitat's mission by building homes alongside volunteers, advocating for affordable housing, and helping raise awareness of the organization's work around the world. One of their most significant contributions was the creation of the Carter Work Project. In 1984, the Carters led a group of volunteers in rehabilitating a tenement building in New York City. That effort evolved into the annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, a weeklong building initiative that has brought thousands of volunteers together in communities across the United States and around the globe. Over more than 35 years of service, the Carters worked alongside more than 100,000 volunteers in 14 countries, helping build, renovate, and repair more than 4,300 homes. President Carter also served on Habitat for Humanity International's Board of Directors from 1984 to 1987, further strengthening his commitment to the organization. The Carters' connection to Habitat was especially meaningful because of their deep roots in Southwest Georgia. Their hometown of Plains is located just a few miles from Habitat for Humanity International's headquarters in Americus. This close proximity fostered a longstanding partnership that became one of the defining aspects of the Carters' post-presidential legacy and their lifelong commitment to service.