Join us for a visual reflection upon some of our favorite success stories of 2021
Join us for a visual reflection upon some of our favorite success stories of 2021
The year 2021 turned out to be a busy one for The Fuller Center for Housing — both internationally and across the United States. After Covid-19 temporarily slowed our work in 2020, our affordable housing ministry bounced back with renewed vigor and purpose in 2021 thanks to the financial supporters, volunteers, local leaders, churches and other groups who embraced Millard Fuller’s Theology of the Hammer.
In fact, our partners were so productive in 2021 that we had trouble narrowing down a “Top 10” list of success stories and memorable moments. It was simply too overwhelming. So, we narrowed it down to 30 of our favorites — which, amazingly, leaves out many more outstanding stories.
With your support, we can make 2022 even better. Perhaps a “Top 30” list won’t be nearly enough reflection this time next year. Again, thank you for your support in the most important endeavor of putting faith into action and Building a Better World with The Fuller Center for Housing.
30 MEMORABLE STORIES & MOMENTS OF 2021
(in no particular order)
HOME(S) FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We caught up with some of the families who got new Fuller Center homes in 2021 — or like-new homes after disasters — as they got ready to celebrate Christmas. Click here to meet some of these wonderful families.
WESTERN KENTUCKY STUDENTS
Students from Western Kentucky University spent a week after a tornado struck their community serving others by repairing homes in Americus, Georgia — honing skills they intend to use in the recovery back home. Story, videos and photos.
500th HOME IN EL SALVADOR
In early December, President David Snell joined our partners from People Helping People Network and Gente Ayudando Gente for the dedication of our 500th home in El Salvador. Click here to see the story, photos and video.
BUILDING A HOME WITH A SONG
Millard and Linda Fuller’s granddaughter Sophie Davina released the song “Look Back on Every Blessing” and — with the support of major donor Jackie Goodman — used it to raise money for a home in Haiti. Complete story and song.
GLOBAL BUILDERS BACK IN ACTION
In June, Sona and Leo Manuelian led our first Global Builders trip since a pause caused by the pandemic — resuming their annual visits to Armenia. Sadly, we lost Sona to illness on Christmas Eve. Armenia travelogue.
RAINY LEGACY BUILD IN WEST POINT, GA.
Without a doubt, the two-home Millard Fuller Legacy Build in West Point was the wettest and muddiest ever, but the weather did not dampen the spirits of our volunteers and homeowners. Stories, videos and photos.
FEATURED ON “GOOD MORNING AMERICA”
Our Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders’s work was spotlighted by Robin Roberts of “Good Morning America,” in a segment featuring those making a difference in Louisiana after Hurricane Ida. Story
MAXIMIZING YOUR GENEROSITY
The latest independent audit of The Fuller Center for Housing’s financials verifies that more than 90.5 percent of revenues goes directly to work in the field, far exceeding nonprofit industry standards. Details
VETERANS VILLAGE GROWS
U.S. Navy veteran Charles Smith became the latest homeowner to move into the Veterans Village in Shreveport. It was the 61st new home build for The Fuller Center of Northwest Louisiana. Story and photo gallery
GREATER NYC’S IDA RECOVERY WORK
The remnants of Hurricane Ida dumped tremendous amounts of rain in the Greater New York City area, and News 12 out of The Bronx featured the efforts of Jim Killoran and our team there. Story
HELPING QUAKE VICTIMS IN HAITI
When Geral Joseph went to see how he could help earthquake victims this past summer, he found the best option was to help them move to the more peaceful area of Pignon where he works. Story
MADAGASCAR COMMUNITY COMPLETED
Our 30-home Antsirabe I project of safe new homes was completed by our very efficient partners in the African island nation of Madagascar. Story and photos
PORTUGAL JOINS FULLER CENTER
A solid team of leaders in Portugal switched to The Fuller Center from another housing nonprofit and immediately became a popular option for Global Builders. Details
AUBURN STUDENTS BUILD TINY HOUSES
About 280 square feet each, tiny houses built by students at Auburn University’s Building Science Department are beautiful little additions to Millard Fuller’s hometown of Lanett, Alabama. Details
BICYCLE ADVENTURE ROARS BACK
After a disrupted 2020, the Bike Adventure had a successful year — completing its two main summer rides, a fall ride and surpassing the $3.4 million fundraising mark. FullerCenterBikeAdventure.org
CHURCH YOUTH GROUP SHARES LOVE
Latrisha Finley shed many tears of joy and shared many hugs with the large youth group from Minden, Louisiana’s First Baptist Church who came to Lanett, Alabama to build walls for her new home. Story, video and photos
BOLIVIAN TEACHERS GET NEW HOMES
The Fuller Center of Bolivia continued its building success in 2021, including a three-home project for some deserving public school teachers and their families. Story
LEGACY BUILD IN VIRGINIA
Volunteers from more than a dozen states converged on Carroll County, Virginia, for a memorable build week with the Quesenberry family. Stories, videos and photos
SERVING IN THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA
Students participating in the prestigious President Jimmy Carter Leadership Program at Georgia Southwestern State University became the first Fuller Center U.S. Builders team to serve in the Mississippi Delta. Video
MAN’S DYING WISH FULFILLED
The Chattahoochee Fuller Center Project and the Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure brought tears of joy to Paul Truitt, who needed repairs to the home he will leave his wife. Story
DO-GOODER GETS HELP OF HER OWN
The Fuller Center of Utah County’s first-ever Greater Blessing project helped a widow who is well-known and beloved for helping others in her community. Story
PRAISING REBUILDERS IN SONG
Disaster ReBuilders partner families often are effusive in expressing their gratitude, but Jimmy and Sharon Henton took it a step further — expressing their thanks in song. Video
TORNADO WIDOW GETS NEW HOME
Exactly two years to the day after a tornado destroyed her home and killed her husband, Carol Dean received the keys to a new home as she continues to piece her life back together after tragedy. Story
FAMILIES FILL EL ESPINO COMMUNITY
Years ago, a community in El Salvador was evicted from their land by developers, forcing into homelessness and shack lives. Today, they have new home in a new, thriving community. Story & video
WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT IN UGANDA
As a Christian ministry, we preach the Gospel through action. Home dedications for two large families in Uganda inspired neighbors and brought more souls to Jesus. Story
HONORING DR. KING WITH BUILD-A-THON
Volunteers — including these students from Iona College’s nursing program — honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by working with The Fuller Center of Greater New York City. Story
PERSISTENCE DURING A PANDEMIC IN PERU
Yuddy and Wilfredo Portillo left the crowded streets and expensive rents of Lima, Peru with their two sons for a new life in La Florida. Their patience in building through a pandemic paid off. Story
NEW LIFE AFTER DISASTER IN CAMEROON
Pa Paul Njumbwen, wife Mary and their four grandchildren ages 11 to 18 were left homeless after a tornado destroyed their grass hut. Then, a church rallied to help them build a new Fuller Center home. Story
MORE FAMILIES ESCAPE CONTAINERS
The Fuller Center of Armenia continues to help families who have been living in “temporary” houses made out of shipping containers — many of whom have been in them since a 1988 earthquake. Story
FROM A WHEELCHAIR TO A BICYCLE
Karen DeJoe’s career as a doctor took a detour when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Once confined to a wheelchair, she biked across the nation this summer to support our ministry. Story
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