What is The Fuller Center for Housing of Johnson County, Missouri?
The Fuller Center for Housing of Johnson County, Missouri is a local Covenant Partner organization of The Fuller Center for Housing based out of Americus GA. The Fuller Center for Housing is a Christian 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to eradicate poverty housing by promoting partnerships with individuals and community groups to build and rehabilitate homes for people in need.
How can an individual get involved?
There are several ways to become involved. As a tightly run, cost-conscious organization, we are always in need of people’s time, talents and treasures!
- Volunteer – Individuals committed to building, renovating and repairing homes can join one of The Fuller Center’s upcoming projects. In addition there are several other committees on which you can volunteer.
- Donate – We welcome all donations to be used to fund our programs. Tax-deductible contributions can be mailed to The Fuller Center for Housing of Johnson County, Missouri, 123 E. Gay St., Warrensburg, MO 64093. In additions, donations can be made online at http://www.fullercenter.org and designated for the Johnson County, MO (Warrensburg). In-kind donations of new building materials and services are also greatly appreciated.
- Spread the Word – Follow us on Facebook and share our posts with your Facebook friends. Attend our fundraising events. Invite a member of our board to speak to your civic club, school group, or religious organization.
What are the similarities between the Fuller Center and Habitat for Humanity?
Both international organizations were founded by Millard Fuller to provide a world where everyone has a decent place to live and to encourage communities to create “collaborative and innovative partnerships” to address the housing needs of the most needy in communities. Both organizations are classified as charitable organizations with an IRS designation of 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.
How is the Fuller Center different from Habitat for Humanity?
Since both organizations were founded by Millard and Linda Fuller and share the same goal of eradicating poverty housing worldwide, there are naturally many similarities. However, The Fuller Center is different in four key ways:
- The Fuller Center seeks to empower local organizations, keeping a lean and efficient structure. By keeping salaries and operating expenses at a minimum, we ensure that a high percentage of the money we receive is at work building houses in local communities. The Fuller Center does not require to a main headquarters for the organize, unlike Habitat for Humanity which requires an annual payment of $5K to cover organizational overhead.
- The Fuller Center continues the practice of building homes at no profit and charging no interest.
We feel strongly that government has a critical role in providing adequate shelter. However, while we gratefully accept government help in acquiring land or installing infrastructure, we do not accept government funds for house building. - Local covenant partners (like Fuller Center of JoCoMo) are permitted to rehab or build outside incorporated city limits . In its repair ministry, the Fuller Center utilizes a unique repayment method which does not require the home as collateral. We are also allowed to partner with organizations who build and rent residences to disabled, financially stressed adults. This innovation has allowed us to reach out to help the folks who are deemed “too poor to help” by the credit and financial standards of Habitat for Humanity and others.
- Are you competing with Habitat for Humanity?
Absolutely not! More than one billion people live in poverty housing around the world. The worldwide housing situation is so grave that we need Habitat, The Fuller Center, and thousands of other such organizations. And since the need is so great, we believe God will provide enough resources to all these ministries to accomplish God’s work.
Are you a Christian organization?
We are! The Fuller Center is an ecumenical Christian organization that bases its work on what Millard Fuller called, “The Economics of Jesus” and “The Theology of the Hammer.” The Fuller Center for Housing International works in partnership with God and men and women around the world as we build God’s Kingdom on earth by improving and transforming lives. We gladly invite and welcome volunteers and supporters of all faiths who share our basic belief in giving people dignity by helping them build and own a home.
Do you have to be a Christian to be affiliated with The Fuller Center?
Absolutely not! We work with people of all faiths who share our basic belief in giving dignity to all by helping them own a home.
What is a “covenant partner”?
A covenant partner is a local organization that signs an agreement with The Fuller Center to build or renovate houses for families in need in a particular area. The Fuller Center helps local organizations by providing expertise, training, funding, name recognition and providing for information sharing.