Habitat for Humanity has helped more than 65 million people build or improve their homes. Its founders got there by giving everything away first.
A Fortune Surrendered
Millard Fuller rose from humble beginnings in Alabama to become a self-made millionaire by age 29. But his health, integrity, and marriage deteriorated as his business grew. Facing a personal crisis, Millard and his wife Linda made an extraordinary decision in 1965: they gave away their entire fortune and dedicated their lives to serving others.
From Georgia to Zaire
The Fullers joined Koinonia Farm in Georgia, where they worked with founder Clarence Jordan to build modest houses on a no-profit, no-interest basis. Homeowner families invested their own labor, a concept called "sweat equity." In 1973, they moved to Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) to test the model in a developing nation. It worked.
Upon returning to the U.S. in 1976, they formally established Habitat for Humanity International.
50 Years of Building
Today, Habitat serves over three million people annually with more than 820,000 volunteers. The organization's fiscal year 2025 revenue reached $383 million at the international level, with $3.1 billion across its federated network. From hurricane recovery to earthquake rebuilding, Habitat continues the Fullers' commitment to decent, affordable housing for all.
Learn more on our Habitat for Humanity page.
