Millard Fuller (Habitat For Humanity International)
Overview
Milard Dean Fuller was an American humanitarian and co-founder of Habitat for Humanity International, a globally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to building affordable housing. Fuller was born on January 3, 1935, in Lanett, Alabama. Before founding Habitat for Humanity, he became a self-made millionaire through his direct-mail business ventures. However, he and his wife, Linda Fuller, sold their possessions to dedicate their lives to Christian service, eventually leading to the creation of Habitat for Humanity in 1976. Under his leadership, the organization constructed more than 175,000 homes for families in need across 100 countries. Fuller's commitment to eradicating poverty housing earned him numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996.
Recent Developments
- The Fuller Center for Housing, founded by Millard and Linda Fuller in 2005 after their departure from Habitat for Humanity, continues to uphold the mission of providing sustainable housing. In 2025, the Fuller Center celebrated its 20th anniversary with several global building initiatives, including projects in Peru and across the United States.
- October 12, 2024: The Fuller Center and Millard Fuller Foundation organized their annual National Day Build in Luvu-Madaki, Nigeria, emphasizing collaborative housing projects with local stakeholders.
- November 2024: The Fuller Center hosted its legacy builds in various locations, inviting volunteers to partake in community building activities as a tribute to Millard Fuller’s enduring impact on affordable housing initiatives.
- December 2023: The Fuller Center continued to expand its outreach by including new regions, aiming to develop numerous homes and aid low-income families.
- April 2022: Habitat for Humanity, under the legacy initiated by Millard, advanced housing innovations like 3D printing to combat labor shortages and promote sustainable building solutions.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Millard Dean Fuller |
| Born | January 3, 1935, Lanett, Alabama |
| Died | February 3, 2009, Americus, Georgia |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Humanitarian, Non-profit Founder |
| Known For | Co-founding Habitat for Humanity |
| Net Worth | N/A (focused on philanthropy) |
| Education | Auburn University, University of Alabama |
Early Life and Education
Millard Fuller grew up in a modest setting in Lanett, Alabama. Following the death of his mother when he was three, Fuller was raised by his father, a local farmer. Determined to escape poverty, Fuller excelled academically and pursued higher education at Auburn University, where he studied economics. He then obtained a law degree from the University of Alabama. Early in his career, Fuller demonstrated business acumen by co-founding a lucrative direct-mail marketing firm with Morris Dees, which quickly amassed significant wealth. However, the pursuit of material success strained his marriage with Linda Caldwell, prompting a profound reassessment of their values and priorities, ultimately leading them to dedicate their lives to humanitarian work.
Career and Notable Achievements
- 1968: After selling his business assets, Fuller and his wife joined the Koinonia Farm community, a pivotal step that oriented their focus on affordable housing.
- 1973: Fuller took his housing initiative to Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), establishing a sustainable model of housing.
- 1976: Co-founded Habitat for Humanity International, a move that revolutionized philanthropic housing through the “sweat equity” model.
- 1984: Leveraged the support of former President Jimmy Carter, significantly boosting the organization's profile and expansion.
- 1996: Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing his contributions towards global housing.
- 2005: After leaving Habitat due to internal disputes, he established The Fuller Center for Housing to sustain his mission of ending poverty housing.
Habitat for Humanity Founder Scandal
In 2005, Millard Fuller was ousted from Habitat for Humanity International amid allegations of inappropriate behavior. Although initial allegations dating back to the 1990s were settled internally, a new accusation in 2003 led to Fuller's firing. The board’s decision was controversial, with Fuller denying the claims and attributing his ousting to differences over the organization’s direction.
Is Linda Fuller Still Alive?
As of the current date, Linda Fuller, who co-founded Habitat for Humanity alongside Millard, is alive. She continues to engage in housing advocacy through The Fuller Center for Housing, promoting affordable living conditions globally.
Current Work and Impact
Millard Fuller’s lasting influence is most prominently seen in the continued operations of The Fuller Center for Housing, which operates in over 70 countries. The organization honors his legacy by fostering community-driven partnerships and utilizing volunteer efforts to construct affordable homes. Taylor projects emphasize what Millard termed “Theology of the Hammer,” prioritizing the collaborative spirit and practical application of Christian ethics in community development.
Conclusion
Millard Fuller's pioneering efforts in the field of affordable housing have created a profound and lasting impact worldwide. Through Habitat for Humanity and The Fuller Center, he championed a movement that not only addressed the physical need for shelter but also redignified countless families through homeownership. While his career faced challenges, particularly with his departure from Habitat for Humanity, his foundational ideas continue to inspire global housing solutions. Fuller’s vision reflects the enduring potential of transformative philanthropy, demonstrating that community collaboration and compassion can effectively address systemic societal issues.