Christian partnership—an interview with the founders of Habitat for Humanity

(Part one)

Geraldine Schiering with contributions from Millard Fuller

Habitat for Humanity began in Americus, Georgia, in 1976, an idea that developed in the lives of its founders, Millard and Linda Fuller. A nondenominational Christian program, Habitat builds homes and shelters for those in need, enabling them to be homeowners through long-term, no-interest loans. A unique aspect of Habitat is that most of the construction work is done by volunteers, rich and poor, who pound nails side by side with the new homeowners. Now, Habitat for Humanity International is building homes in more than a thousand communities in forty countries around the world. Recently, contributing editor Geraldine Schiering had an opportunity to interview the Fullers. In part one of this interview, Millard Fuller discusses the importance of "partnership" relationships, the roots of Habitat in his own life, and reliance on God for resources. Part two of the interview, in next week's Sentinel, will focus on the Christian demand for the rich to help the less fortunate, and on the idea of ecumenical service.

Geri Schiering: What is it about building a house for a family that is so effective in changing and uplifting their lives?

Millard Fuller: In naming our organization, we chose the word habitat carefully. Every living thing in the world has to have a proper habitat in order to thrive. That is true whether it is a plant, a snail, or a human being. As you develop adequate housing for people, built by people who love them, people who affirm them, people who encourage them, you see people blossom. You see children blossom and the mamas and the papas blossom.

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