If I Were a Carpenter: Twenty Years of Habitat for Humanity

In the 20 years of its existence, Habitat for Humanity, conceived by Georgia Baptist preacher Millard Fuller, has erected 40,000 homes around the world in pursuance of its goal of eradicating poverty housing. Its formula is simple: once a family is selected, its members and volunteer workers build a home, Habitat supplying the materials. The family assumes the mortgage, and because no interest is charged, the payments are affordable by those with low-paying jobs. Much of the success of Habitat is due to Fuller, its founder and ongoing director. An even bigger factor, however, is the participation of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, who have not only loaned their names and prestige to the group, but labored with hammer and saw on many projects. Some of Habitat's members are from the clergy, but most are lay Christians who believe they are carrying out Biblical injunctions. This is an inspiring story, and it is told sympathetically and movingly by ex-Charlotte Observer correspondent Gaillard (Watermelon Wine) and supplemented by many effective photos. Author tour. (June)