Since its founding in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity International has built and rehabilitated more than 200,000 houses with families in need, becoming a true world leader in addressing the issues of poverty housing.

Under the able leadership of Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat International since September 2005, the organization has continued to provide decent housing to those in need, especially having made an impact in those areas where natuaral disasters have destroyed many houses, such as the South East Asia Tsunami are and the Hurricane Katrina affected Gulf Coast.

 

The concept that grew into Habitat for Humanity International was born at Koinonia Farm , a small, interracial, Christian farming community founded in 1942 outside of Americus, GA; by farmer and biblical scholar Clarence Jordan. The Fullers first visited Koinonia in 1965, having recently left a successful business in Montgomery, AL, and all the trappings of an affluent lifestyle to begin a new life of Christian service. At Koinonia, Jordan and Fuller developed the concept of "partnership housing" where those in need of adequate shelter would work side by side with volunteers to build simple, decent houses. Shortly there after, Fuller approached then Ex-President Jimmy Carter to become involved and since then both Jimmy and Roslyn Carter have been actively participating in Habitat Projects. Habitat for Humanity not only builds "Houses for Families," it serves as a model and example for other organizations and agencies. Furthermore, it draws attention to one of the most insidious problems in our society: the lack of decent affordable housing for everyone, regardless of income, color, creed, or social status. Habitat for Humanity has taken the lead in raising the public's awareness about this problem and will not rest until substandard housing is eradicated. Based on Christian principles, Habitat works with churches and all religions in over a hundred countries and on every continent, providing decent, simple housing to all people, regardless of their race, creed, or faith. Currently Habitat International is working in approximately one hundred countries world wide.

Habitat in Providence

Habitat for Humanity Providence is organized as a nonprofit corporation directed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and a small staff. Habitat Providence mirrors the goals of Habitat for Humanity International by working to eliminate poverty housing in this state not only by building homes but also by collaborating with other community based organizations dedicated to improving housing conditions in the city and by strengthening the communities.

In addition to its volunteer Board of Directors, many of whom have served as board members and committee chairs for many years, the affiliate has access to all the required technical and professional services needed for the successful completion of the projects. These include builders, trades people, attorneys, volunteers (both skilled and unskilled) and volunteer groups who bring their energy commitment and passion for serving the needs of those living in substandard housing to the process of building affordable ownership housing - one house at a time.

All Habitat for Humanity projects are developed using the well established model of blending skilled and unskilled volunteers into effective work teams to undertake the construction of homes.

The Affiliate's Board of Directors, staff and committees recruit and manage volunteer participation from high schools, churches, colleges, universities, professionals and business organizations. In building homes, the affiliate has engaged thousands of volunteers from various organizations. We have developed homeowner and volunteer building skills, and in the process, built a community of people helping people.

Affiliated with Habitat Providence are Habitat Campus Chapters at Brown University, Providence College, Rhode Island College, Providence Country Day School, and St. Mary's/Bayview.