History Overview (Text-only) 1965-1976 1977-1983 1984-1989 1990-1992 1993-1995 1996-1997 1998-2000 Home Get Involved Where We Build How It Works True Stories

In 1996, President Clinton honored Habitat founder Millard Fuller (left) with a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. "I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that Millard Fuller has literally revolutionized the concept of philanthropy," said President Clinton. The Habitat for Humanity International web site made its debut online on May 1, 1996. Habitat celebrated its 20th anniversary with a gathering in Atlanta, followed by a 20-house blitz build in Habitat's hometown of Americus, Ga. 1996 -- HFHI dedicates its 50,000th house worldwide in Pensacola, Fla., during the 1996 Building on Faith week. Habitat's 50,001st house is celebrated in Mexico City, as well as the 6,500th Habitat house built in Mexico. 1996 -- 500 Jimmy Carter Work Project participants gather in Vác, Hungary, to build 10 houses. 1996 -- Habitat for Humanity begins building in its 50th nation, Romania. 1996 -- Three Habitat publications win awards in the 1996 Gold Circle Awards competition sponsored by the American Society for Association Executives. 1996 -- Judging by popular support, HFHI is ranked in the top dozen favorite charities in the U.S., according to a November article in "The NonProfit Times." 1996 -- India's first affiliate, HFH Khammam, celebrates its 12th anniversary and dedicates its 1,000th house. 1997 -- Leaders of the United States Congress kick off National Homeownership Week by beginning work with Habitat on "The Houses that Congress Built." 1997 -- Habitat celebrates 10 years of formal partnership with students through its Campus Chapters and Youth Programs department. 1997 -- Oprah Winfrey challenges her TV viewers to "build an Oprah house" and presents HFHI board chairman Wayne Walker with a check for $55,000. Two years later, the program has nearly met its goal of 200 homes nationwide. 1997 -- Robert Fulghum, author of "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," donates the royalties from his book "True Love" to HFHI.