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HABITAT FOR HUMANY:

Partnership Housing

ounded in 1976 by Millard its first partnership house in 1969 in Sumter County, Georgia, to building
and Linda Fuller, Habitat homes in all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. To date,
Ffor Humanity is a true Habitat has built more than 350,000 houses, sheltering more than 1.75
world leader in addressing the million people in more than 3,000 communities worldwide.
issues of poor housing conditions. Habitat for Humanity has also teamed up with AmeriCorps to form
The idea that became Habitat Habitat AmeriCorps. Habitat places AmeriCorps members to serve in a
for Humanity first grew from the variety of roles with local Habitat organizations nationwide to increase
fertile soil of Koinonia Farm, Habitat’s ability to build homes, engage communities, build capacity, and
founded in 1942 outside of increase productivity.
Americus, Georgia by farmer and During COVID-19, which halted construction projects, local Habitat
Greek New Testament scholar affiliates throughout the United States pivoted in their service, organizing,
Clarence Jordan. Koinonia Farm and donating more
was based on the concepts of than 215,000 masks,
community, racial equality, and respirators, and face
Christian beliefs. shields and nearly
On the farm, Jordan and 25,000 personal pro-
Regular workers and inspiring volunteers, Habitat’s eventual founders tective gowns to
former President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Millard and Linda Fuller devel- health care providers,
continuing their life’s work.
oped the concept of “partnership equipment normally
housing.” The concept centered on those in need of adequate shelter used by Habitat
working side by side with volunteers to build decent, affordable houses construction staff and
at no profit. This concept of partnership housing developed at Koinonia volunteers on build
Farm became the basis for The Fund for Humanity. This Fund evolved sites. As we emerge
into the organization now known as Habitat for Humanity. In 1996, from COVID-19,
President Clinton awarded Founder Millard Fuller the Medal of Habitat sees its need
Freedom, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a civilian by the more critical than
U.S. government, for his work with Habitat for Humanity. Dept 56 Snow Village benefiting Habitat For ever. Their focus now
The work of Habitat for Humanity is Humanity, “A Home In The Making” introduced in is on building up their
for homeowners to work side-by-side with 1999 and retired in December of 2001, corps of volunteers
selling for $54.99 on eBay
volunteers and professional builders to build and getting back to
their new home. Homeowners are usually building.
expected to put approximately 500 hours of
“sweat equity” into their own or other project THIS ‘N THAT
homes, although this amount may vary by In 1992, Habitat for Humanity opened its first ReStore in the U.S. in
location, the number of wage-earning adults Austin, Texas. Unlike the Salvation Army Thrift Stores and Goodwill,
in each family, and the recipients’ health ReStores are about accepting donations and reselling new and gently-used
issues. This sweat equity acts as the down building supplies, everything from non-upholstered furniture to lighting
payment on the home. In exchange, the fixtures, appliances, windows, doors, cabinets, and flooring. Donations
home is built at no profit. The house are tax-deductible and what is not used in a current Habitat
payments are combined with no interest project is sold, with all profits going to support Humanity’s
loans provided by supporters and from Homeownership Program for low-income families. Today, there
money earned by fundraising to make the are more than 900 ReStore locations in the United States and
mortgage affordable to individuals with limited more than 100 in Canada.
financial resources.
In 1984, former U.S. President Jimmy and his COLLECTIBLE MERCHANDISE
wife Rosalynn Carter decided to become personally
involved with Habitat for Humanity, helping volunteers Like so many volunteer and service organizations, volunteers
renovate a 19-unit building and drawing great media and donors have a wide range of branded merchandise available
attention to the organization and its mission. to show their involvement and support, available at
Since that time, the Carters have volunteered on Habitat for Humanity vintage www.thehabitatstore.merchorders.org that will surely be
thousands of home projects, making Habitat for 100% silk mens necktie selling collectibles of the future. There are many used and newer
Humanity their life’s work. “This has been the for $17.99 at Etsy.com collectible items available in online shops such as Etsy and eBay
main thing we do outside of Carter Center that feature include donation premiums,
and outside of my political jobs,” the cookbooks, T-shirts, jewelry, books for adults
former president explained in a 2016 CNN and children, and more. Another interesting
interview. “It’s a practical way to put my family of items available are those made with
religious beliefs into practice over the recycled wood, etc., taken from project sites.
years. We talk about poor people in need, These items typically include a donation to
and this is the best way I know to close that Habitat for Humanity in the price of the item.
gap between rich people and the people
who’ve never had a decent place to live.”
Thanks in no small part to President Sisters Refinished solid oak wood trays (formerly
and Mrs. Carter’s personal involvement bookshelves) embellished with gold matte handles
and the awareness it has raised for the selling for $40 each on Etsy and includes a donation
organization, Habitat went from building to Habitat for Humanity
20 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles