Who's Thinking of the Children?
By Millard Fuller

In my new book, "More Than Houses", I've devoted the second chapter to the positive changes that occur in the lives of children when their inadequate housing situation becomes safer, more affordable to the parents, and more stable.

I often hear stories of healthy self-esteem, honor rolls, high school diplomas, and college hopes. The impact of a simple, decent place to live on child development is obvious.

Several years ago, we built a Habitat house for a very poor family in Americus, Ga. The new house was built behind the derelict shack the family had been occupying. The old house was literally falling in on the single mother and five children. When the new house was finished, the old house was demolished.

Soon after the house was completed, I took some visitors to see the family and their new house. In the course of the conversation, I asked the mother, "What is it about your new house that means the most to you?"

"My boys are no longer ashamed for their friends to know where we live!" she said.

Think about that. What damaging effect does it have on children to be ashamed and embarrassed about their home?

I am convinced that the loss of self-esteem brought about by living in poor housing negatively impacts children in all areas of their lives. But moving children into good homes has a positive effect.

Another story in my new book is about the difference a Habitat house had on a 10-year-old boy. The family lived in Ohio in a trailer with no running water or bathroom facilities. The only electricity was a cord running from the house next door. They had an electric heater for warmth. The family had lived in that trailer for 18 years.

When they moved into their new Habitat house, the 10-year-old's grades improved, and he became active on the basketball team.

Without a doubt, a decent place to live has a tremendously positive effect on children. That alone would make the work of Habitat for Humanity worthwhile. But the impact moves outward from there, like a wonderful ripple effect throughout the whole community.

Millard Fuller is the founder and president of Habitat for Humanity International.


Reprinted from Habitat World Magazine, October/November 1999.
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©1999 Habitat for Humanity International