Habitat for Humanity International, the largest not-for-profit home builder in the world, was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller.

In 1984 Habitat's most famous volunteer, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, along with his wife, Rosalyn, participated in their first Habitat build project. Their personal involvement in Habitat's ministry, particularly through the Jimmy Carter Work Project, has brought the organization international visibility and sparked interest in Habitat's work around the world.

There are more than 2,300 active Habitat affiliates worldwide.  Since 1976, over 1.75 million people have been provided decent, affordable shelter in 3,000 communities.  It is estimated that a new Habitat home is built every 21 minutes.