Austin Habitat For Humanity CHANGE LIVES
Greetings!

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today. Many of you have heard or read that Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity, passed away this morning. 
 Millard Fuller
I had the honor of working with Millard at Habitat for Humanity International in Americus, Georgia, for almost 10 years. I have always been touched by the story of how Habitat was born: after a marital crisis, Millard and his wife, Linda, turned away from the pursuit of material fortune and started working to eliminate poverty housing through the power of home ownership. Millard was the spark of inspiration that took Habitat for Humanity from a mustard-seed idea to a global movement that changes lives today.
As a result, over 1.5 million people worldwide call a simple, decent and affordable Habitat house their home.
 
I encourage you to read more about Millard's extraordinary life by visiting the Habitat for Humanity International website.
 
In 1985, Austin Habitat was founded to serve Millard's simple but powerful vision. Over 240 houses, 100,000 volunteers and an army of donors later, the spirit that launched a movement in 1976 thrives today through your efforts. With the challenges facing us today, now more than ever our community needs change. Last year, together we helped 23 families realize the American dream of owning a home. And in 2009, we will help 25 families. Along the way, many memories will be created--as many have in the past.
Change Lives MeansIn honor of Millard, I invite you to share your Habitat memories and tell us what Change Lives means to you.

To me, it means creating opportunity, inspiring hope and empowering dreams through the power of home ownership. Tell us what it means to you. Share your story.
Millard was known to say, "I see life as both a gift and a responsibility."  Today, though we mourn the loss of a great world citizen, we also celebrate a spirit that will live on with the raising of every wall, the dedication of every Austin Habitat home, and the change that takes place in the lives of the families who work so hard for a better future for their children.
 
On behalf of all of us at Austin Habitat, I want to take this occasion to thank you for your gifts of time, resources and passion.

Together we can Changel Lives,
Michael Willard's signature


J. Michael Willard
Executive Director, Austin Habitat for Humanity

p.s. I want to share an anecdote that I feel represents Millard's spirit. One day, Millard introduced Ann Fudge, president of Maxwell House Coffee, to a low-income resident who lived in a dilapidated, poorly maintained rental home. Millard ask the elderly woman if she had ever heard of Maxwell House Coffee. Without skipping a beat, the woman replied: "Good to the last drop!"  After sharing moments of laughter, Millard then asked Ann to increase their support of Habitat. Shortly thereafter, Maxwell House agreed to build 50 Habitat homes across the country. Giving truly does change lives. Please consider making a gift today.