Free Online Interview With Millard Fuller, Making Dreams A Reality

You might not recognize the name of Millard Fuller, but you’ll almost certainly recognize his work. Millard founded Habitat for Humanity in 1976. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that builds homes for those in need. In 2006, he started another non-profit called The Fuller Center for Housing.nnUnlike many charitable organizations, Habitat for Humanity doesn’t simply give away hand-outs. People who qualify for housing assistance are required to help build their own home. Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has built over 200,000 homes reaching over a million people in more than 100 countries around the world.nnMillard himself is a man who loves the Lord God. He was a self-made millionaire who decided to give up his money to help others in a way that he thought would express God’s love to others. As a result, he has been called one of the greatest humanitarians of the 20th Century, and he was awarded the highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.nnHabitat for Humanity was originally an idea intended for third world countries and the rural areas of the South in the United States. After seeing success in these places, Habitat for Humanity spread its wings and has been successful all over the world. Today, Habitat for Humanity builds approximately 30,000 houses per year.nnMillard Fuller challenges communities to eliminate poverty housing one neighborhood at a time. Habitat for Humanity is the vehicle for change. The first “affiliate” for this challenge was in San Antonio, Texas in a neighborhood commonly called “The Devil’s Triangle”. It was a very dangerous area that has since cleaned up its act.nnToday, there are approximately 1,700 cities across the United States alone that have local affiliates with Habitat for Humanity. Each does what it can, whether it’s one house per year or 100 houses per year. In some cases, homes are simply renovated. In most cases, though, the homes are torn down and replaced completely.nnA great example of what Habitat for Humanity can do for a community is exemplified by Americus, Georgia. In 1992, a meeting was called, and a goal was made: eliminate all substandard housing by 2000. On September 15, 2000, the last house was finished. Crime rates went down, and the grades of school children went up. It was a great success.nnEven with the phenomenal success of Habitat for Humanity, Millard Fuller has seen his share of hills and valleys on life’s roller coaster. Through it all, he has remained strong and held his passion close to his heart. To be successful, you have to weather the storms. Never give upon your dreams.n