Foundations Begin with Land
By Millard Fuller

Every Habitat groundbreaking is cause for celebration for founder Millard Fuller.

All houses must have a foundation. While most Habitat houses are single-family homes, some are two-story buildings or attached housing, and there are even a few multiple-story structures. Regardless of the construction style, there is always a foundation.

That means there must be land on which to build. Sometimes, affiliates in the United States and around the world find that to be a problem.

I remember a few years ago when a Habitat affiliate in Vermont needed land on which to build a house. The leaders of the affiliate looked and looked but just couldn't find anything.

Finally, in desperation, they started building the house in a church parking lot. A big sign was erected that proclaimed: "A house looking for a home!" When the house was finished, a lot was located and the house was moved to it.

"Difficult" is not the same as "impossible." The Bible promises that, with God, all things are possible. It does not say that all things are easy.

We know that God's love extends to everyone. We also know that everyone--rich and poor alike--gets sleepy at night. That's why we aspire for all people everywhere to have, as a minimum, a simple, decent place to live.

Determination and creativity, combined with faith in the God who has called us to this ministry, will find the land that is needed to house every family.

Hence, we move on, searching and praying for the land on which to build. After all, as the Bible says, "The earth is the Lord's." We only seek some of God's good earth on which to house God's people. I think that is a very good use of God's property.


Millard Fuller is the founder and president of Habitat for Humanity International.


Reprinted from Habitat World Magazine, August/September 2000.
This article may not be reproduced in any form without permission.
©2000 Habitat for Humanity International