Habitat for Humanity~ An Organizations Article by Hogan Stevens

There are many people in the world who do not have the privilege of a nice, safe house to live in. These people need help; they need to feel reassured and loved, and Habitat for Humanity is one way to provide for them.

  Habitat for Humanity, an organization that builds decent homes for those in need, was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller. Millard was a self-made millionaire by the age of 29, and he and his wife chose to use this blessing to give to the poor and needy. Thanks to Millard and his wife, Habitat for Humanity has become an international organization that has provided more than 1.75 million people with decent and affordable homes. Millard passed away in February of last year at the age of 76, but his work is still being carried out today.

  The houses build by Habitat for Humanity follow three simple guidelines: They are simple, which means each house is large enough for the family it is built for, but small enough to be affordable; they are decent, meaning they are built from quality products and are designed according to climate and culture; and they are affordable. Because of the many volunteers and the modest size of the houses, it is possible for low-income families to afford these homes.

  Every house is also built with the family’s needs in mind. In North America and Canada, the houses may be no larger than 1,050 square feet, though Habitat is eager to help meet the needs of a family. For example, if one family member is disabled, an easy access ramp and wider doors and hallways may be built.

  In other countries, the houses are much smaller than those built in the U.S. but they are still built with the families in mind. Each house is designed according to the custom of the country it’s in (some houses are wood, but others could be of concrete or clay). Habitat always uses building supplies that are locally available, which ensures the houses to be as affordable as possible.

  As Millard Fuller once said, “I see life as both a gift and a responsibility. My responsibility is to use what God has given me to help his people in need.” And that is how we all should feel. Maybe we can’t become millionaires and use all of our money to build thousands of houses all over the world, but we still have the power to make a difference, however small.

  There are so many underprivileged people in this world today. But if we are willing to use what God has given us to help others, then perhaps we can show others that it is possible to express the love of God through hard work. Millard Fuller made it possible…what will you do?
　
If you want to learn more about Habitat for Humanity, you can visit the website at www.habitat.org . There you can see pictures of different houses that have been built, or if you feel a need to help, you can donate money or report a family that could benefit from Habitat for Humanity. You can also visit their website and help volunteer at a building project near you!