Millard Fuller
Millard Fuller: A Life of Service and Compassion
Full Name and Common Aliases
Millard Fuller was born on December 3, 1935, in Marion, Alabama, USA. He is commonly known by his nickname "Buddy" to those who knew him personally.
Birth and Death Dates
Fuller passed away on February 10, 2009, at the age of 73, after a long battle with cancer.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Millard Fuller was an American humanitarian, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. He held multiple professions throughout his life, including:
Minister
Businessman
HumanitarianEarly Life and Background
Growing up in rural Alabama, Fuller experienced firsthand the struggles of poverty and economic hardship. However, he also witnessed the kindness and generosity of neighbors who helped his family during difficult times. These early experiences shaped his commitment to serving others.
Fuller attended Meridian Baptist College (now William Carey University) before transferring to Southern Seminary (now The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary), where he earned a Bachelor's degree in 1956. He went on to earn a Master's degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1962.
Major Accomplishments
Millard Fuller is perhaps best known for co-founding Habitat for Humanity, an international nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing and community development services worldwide. In 1976, Fuller and his wife Linda founded the first Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which helped to fund the organization's mission by selling donated building materials.
Under Fuller's leadership, Habitat for Humanity grew from a small local organization to a global movement with operations in over 70 countries. He also established the Fuller Center for Housing, a nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing solutions and community development programs.
Notable Works or Actions
Throughout his life, Millard Fuller was involved in numerous initiatives and projects aimed at addressing poverty and economic inequality. Some notable works include:
The creation of the Disaster Response Team, which deployed volunteers to provide disaster relief services worldwide.
* The establishment of the Habitat for Humanity International Leadership Conference, which brought together leaders from around the world to share best practices and strategies for addressing housing needs.
Impact and Legacy
Millard Fuller's impact on the world is immeasurable. Through his work with Habitat for Humanity and other organizations, he helped to provide affordable housing solutions for millions of people worldwide. His legacy extends far beyond his professional accomplishments, however.
Fuller's commitment to serving others inspired countless individuals to make a difference in their communities. He showed that even small actions can have a profound impact when combined with determination and compassion.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Millard Fuller is widely quoted and remembered for his wisdom on topics such as poverty, housing, and community development. His quotes often emphasize the importance of putting others first and working together to address social issues.
One of his most famous quotes reads: "Poverty is not an accident. Like slavery and apartheid, it is man-made and can be removed by the actions of human beings." This quote encapsulates Fuller's commitment to addressing the root causes of poverty and promoting economic justice.
Today, Millard Fuller's legacy continues to inspire individuals and organizations working towards a more just and equitable world. His story serves as a reminder that even one person can make a significant difference when driven by compassion, determination, and a commitment to serving others.
Quotes by Millard Fuller
We have the know-how in the world to house everyone. We have the resources in the world to house everyone. All that’s missing is the WILL to do it.
It’s not your blue blood, your pedigree or your college degree. It’s what you do with your life that counts.
Nobody loves a good worship service more than I do, but we are called to make religion real, to make our faith come alive. Helping others have a decent place to live is one way to do that and it doesn’t take too long for others to recognize it, too.
For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people’s love and concern for each other.
It is easier to act yourself into a new way of thinking, than it is to think yourself into a new way of acting.
Nobody loves a good worship service more than I do, but we are called to make religion real, to make our faith come alive. Helping others have a decent place to live is one way to do that and it doesn't take too long for others to recognize it, too.
It's not your blue blood, your pedigree or your college degree. It's what you do with your life that counts.
For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people's love and concern for each other.
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.
We have the know-how in the world to house everyone. We have the resources in the world to house everyone. All that's missing is the WILL to do it.