Georgia town’s Legacy Build experience was unifying and faith-boosting

FITZGERALD, Georgia — Cam Jordan has long been a tireless advocate for adequate and affordable housing in this quintessential small Georgia community — although he looked a little tired by the conclusion of the four-week Millard Fuller Legacy Build that resulted in a beautiful new home on Main Street.

Yet, he wouldn’t trade a moment of his time on the build site, especially the final day as the community came together to dedicate the new home for Taylor and Tyler Morris and their three daughters — Maddie, Morgan and Abigail.

“I call it ‘Christians Christian-ing’,” he said of his appreciation for The Fuller Center’s model of Enlightened Charity and partnership.

It was the first new home build and first Millard Fuller Legacy Build for the Fitzgerald Fuller Center since transitioning from another housing nonprofit. Building had stalled until the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Georgia and Together for Hope approached The Fuller Center for Housing’s headquarters in Americus asking if there was a special build to which they could send volunteers and funds. They wanted to do some “Christian-ing” by practicing Millard Fuller’s Theology of the Hammer. And, they wanted to do it in Georgia.

Fuller Center Vice President of U.S. Programs Stacey Odom-Driggers knew just the spot. Having never hosted a blitz build, the Fuller Center partner in Fitzgerald was wary. They thought it was a great idea on the surface, but it just seemed a little unrealistic. With some encouragement, however — and a little nudging here and there — they agreed to step out on faith. Having seen many Fuller Center covenant partners, churches and communities invigorated and energized by such builds, she knew their faith would be rewarded. She also knew just the guy who would bring an extra dose of energy and enthusiasm.

House leader Dave Diffendal came up from his home in Florida to spend two months in Fitzgerald. He spent the first month rallying support from the community and local churches and then spent the next month leading volunteers with construction skills ranging from beginner to expert in the completion of the Morris family’s beautiful home that will provide a strong foundation for their girls and a beacon of hope for a community that saw God’s love manifest board by board and brick by brick. Going forward, he said he’d like to see the Fitzgerald Fuller Center build one home per year for the next 20 years.

“This town wants it and needs it,” said Diffendal, who added that he fell in love with this town that supported the build every time he asked for help. “This town cares. This town is deserving of it. And it matters here. … What a town! What an experience!”

Homeowner partners Tyler and Taylor Morris were effusive in her praise of Diffendal, The Fuller Center, volunteers and the local community — including friends, family and strangers … well, former strangers.

“It’s amazing how all these people came together,” Taylor said. “It’s not only about the house. It’s about the unity and the community that comes together to show love and show God’s love to everybody … and it’s wonderful.”