History – Timeline & Milestones (1984-1989)
1984
Millard recruits former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn to become Habitat partners. The first Jimmy Carter Work Project is held in New York City to renovate a six-story building on the lower East Side. There are approximately 50 HFH affiliates worldwide.
1985
The second annual JCWP takes place, again in New York City, to complete the work started a year earlier.
1986
HFHI celebrates its 10th anniversary with a 1,000-mile walk from Americus to Kansas City, again led by Linda and Millard Fuller. Millard is presented the “Clarence Jordan Exemplary Christian Service Award” by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Millard Fuller’s third book, “No More Shacks!” is published. The first Habitat affiliate in Canada is approved.
1987
HFHI headquarters moves to 121 Habitat Street in Americus (named the Clarence Jordan Center in 1999).
Millard receives Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award from The King Center for Non-Violent Social Action, Atlanta, GA HFHI’s Campus Chapters program begins. The first chapter is at Baylor University, Waco, Texas. The Appropriate Technology department and Covenant Church program are started. Habitat is formed in the country of Australia.
1988
HFHI’s 12th Anniversary is celebrated with a 1,200-mile House-Raising Walk from Portland, Maine to Atlanta, Ga. Volunteer “Walkers” and “Builders” worked on 56 HFH houses during those 12 weeks along the East Coast of U.S.
The JCWP spans two cities — Philadelphia and Atlanta.
HFHI’s Global Village program (short-term mission work teams) and Corporate Donor department are established.
1989
Hurricane Hugo strikes South Carolina — all Habitat houses in the state survive.
Nashville sets record for the fastest built Habitat house finishing in five hours, 59 minutes.