International History
Koinonia Farm
The concept that developed into Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) was born at Koinonia Farm, a small, interracial, Christian farming community founded in 1942 outside of Americus, Georgia. This commune was founded by farmer and biblical scholar Clarence Jordan. The eventual founders of HFHI, Millard and Linda Fuller , first visited Koinonia in 1965, after leaving a successful business in Montgomery, Alabama. The Fullers, having escaped the trappings of an affluent lifestyle, began a new life of Christian service. At Koinonia, Jordan and Fuller developed the concept of "partnership housing" -- where families in need of decent shelter would work with volunteers to build simple, decent homes.
The Vision
Houses were to be built with no profit added and financed with no interest charged. Future building would be financed by a revolving “Fund for Humanity.” This concept meant simply that money would come from new homeowners' house payments, donations, no-interest loans, and money earned by fund-raising activities. The monies in the Fund for Humanity would then be used to build more houses with additional families in-need.
Jordan and Miller determined that what the wealthy need is a wise, honorable and just way of divesting themselves of their overabundance. The Fund for Humanity will meet both the needs of the donor and the needs of those less fortunate.
The Vision becomes a Reality
In 1968, Koinonia laid out 42 half-acre house sites with four acres reserved as a community park and recreational area. Capital was donated from generous supporters around the country to begin making the vision a reality. Homes were built and sold to families in need at no profit and no interest. The basic model of Habitat for Humanity was begun.
Africa
In 1973, the Fullers decided to try to implement this same concept in a developing country. The Fuller family moved to Mbandaka, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). The goal was to offer affordable and adequate housing to 2,000 people. After three years of hard work this goal was accomplished and the Fullers returned to the United States.
HFHI is Born
In September 1976, Millard and Linda met with a group of supporters to discuss the future of their unique vision and Habitat for Humanity International was born.
HFHI Growth and Successes
Since this historical meeting in 1976, HFHI has grown by leaps and bounds. In 1984, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn took their first Habitat work trip to New York City. Their personal involvement in Habitat's ministry brought the organization national visibility and sparked interest in Habitat's work throughout the nation. As a result of the Carter’s involvement and increased visibility, the number of HFHI affiliates exploded.
Through the Habitat program, thousands of low-income families have found new hope in the form of affordable housing. Churches, community groups, local donors, and others have joined together to successfully tackle a social problem -- decent affordable housing.
Collectively, Habitat for Humanity has built more than 200,000 houses, affording hope to more than 1,000,000 people in more than 3,000 communities worldwide.