We almost threw away the original Habitat invitation to the April Carter Weekend, but decided to RSVP  “yes” because we were very interested in learning more about the many new and collaborative programs that Habitat has initiated in the last few years. Imagine our surprise when we learned we were included in a small group of about 50 of HFHI’s top corporate and individual donors as well as national and international HfHI staff for a 3 day conference!

In fact, throughout this informative and inspiring weekend, we kept wondering, “Why were we invited?” – especially when we met Ron Terwillinger of Trammell Crow Residential Company, who made a $100 million (yes, million) legacy gift to assist over 60,000 families access improved housing!

In addition to hearing CEO Jonathon Reckford’s presentation of HFHI new strategic 5 year plan we were able network with some of the HFHI top leaders, both nationally and internationally – and having lunch with Roslyn and Jimmy Carter at his family farm and attending his Sunday School class was icing on the cake.

We return to Columbus with a renewed commitment to continue, however we can, our advocacy for this trans-formative program that has built over 500,000 homes world wide.

“Proper shelter saves lives. It rekindles hope and roots families and communities. In decent housing, the walls are strong and the roof is secure – and the family inside focuses more on thriving than on surviving.

…but we have so much more to do – over 1.6 billion people in the world live in deplorable conditions.”

We invite you to join us on the road less traveled –  perhaps on a future international trip, or a local build or making a donation to your local affiliate or one of the innovative programs that HfHI has developed to Build Louder.