Habitat for Humanity was founded by Millard and Linda Fuller in 1976.  They believed that it was the right of all human beings to have decent housing.  Unfortunately, decent housing is not always available to everyone.  Currently, 36.5 million people live below the poverty line in the United States.  Since 1976, Habitat has grown to over 64 countries nationwide, building more than 100,000 homes for those in need.

    Valley of the Sun Habitat for Humanity is currently in the process of constructing the first ever Habitat Community.  This community stretches over 40 acres of land, and when completed will have a total of 195 homes.  A community center, which offers after school games and snacks, a park complete with toys and basketball hoops, and a computer lab with internet access are all a part of this wonderful community.

    The homes that habitat builds are made possible by generous donations.  Whether time, tools, or money, if you would like to help, please call (602) 268-9022 or visit http:www.habitataz.org.
 
 

***An outsider's perspective***

    When visiting the Habitat community, I was overcome with a strong sense of pride.  Not only is this community more united than any I have seen, they all deserve to have a strong feeling of accomplishment.  Putting in 400 hours of "sweat equity" to help build their own  homes has got to give them a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.  While touring the Stardust House (community center) and the computer lab, I was really amazed at the levels of organization that had been used to accomplish this.  If only other communities could see this community and model their own after it, the world would truly be a better place.