More Than Houses: How Habitat for Humanity is Transforming Lives and Neighborhood

A great book, and inspires others to make changes in the world.

This man and this group have done a lot to bring people from all walks of life to help out our neighbors with housing. 5 out of 5 stars.

If you have ever wondered if you could find an activity that would make you much happier and more fulfilled, please read this book and see what becoming involved with Habitat for Humanity International could mean for you.I thought I knew a lot about Habitat for Humanity International. I've read some of Mr. Fuller's earlier books. I've listened to him and other Habitat leaders speak about the organization and its fine work. One of my sons has worked with Habitat for many years and married a wonderful woman he met while out building a Habitat home. I've even written about Habitat in each the last two books I've co-authored. Despite that background, I really needed to read this book to catch up on so many things I didn't know.The book's format is to share stories from volunteers, staff member and families who have bought Habitat homes around a few themes: Making dreams come true; better lives for children; improving families; developing better neighborhoods; making healthier lives; launching new careers; inspiring love and marriage; creating friendships; building faith; rehabilitating prisoners; bridging cultural and religious differences; pursuing happiness; and inspiring a new generation to decently house those in want.As a result, this is not the kind of book that you will praise for its writing, its structure, its choice of similes, or its illustrations. But all will find it to be a book that can be praised and appreciated for its heart, its love and its understanding. My life has been filled with a wonderful glow since I finished reading it. I am very grateful that Mr. Fuller kindly shared it with me.Habitat for Humanity is a Christian ministry. But it's a ministry that seeks to do good through good works by involving and serving everyone . . . whether Christians or not. It's scope is enormous and growing rapidly. In fact, one reason I write about Habitat is because it has been so much more successful than other organizations in accomplishing its purposes and getting better at doing so.Here are some of the things I learned that I did not know from this book. When dozens of Habitat homes are built in the same community, the residents often band together to help root out crime in the area. So a good place to build these homes is in high crime neighborhoods, to replace so-called crack houses and other places being used for wrong purposes. Many people live in such substandard conditions before getting Habitat housing that their health measurably improves along with their psychological outlook. Poor people, prisoners, and simply people who want to change their line of work are often able to learn building and management skills that turn into jobs from working as Habitat volunteers. Lonely people find friends . . . including old ones they haven't seen in a while. As I read the pages, I saw several photos of my friends whom I did not know were involved as Habitat volunteers. Many people come to find religious faith through the experience of helping and being helped by Habitat volunteers.Reading books is a great way to spend your time. Helping others is an even better one. Why don't you read some or all of this book and then volunteer a day with Habitat in the next year and to see how you like it? There's a lot More Than Houses involved!May God bless you!

This book was inspirational to me. The book is full of stories about families and their struggles in life, then they are given a new life it seems when their world is changed and helping hands step in to help. I had to read this for a Sociology course, and I enjoyed it very much.