Music of a Thousand Hammers: Inside Habitat for Humanity

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 184 pages
• Published by: Continuum International Publishing Group September 15, 2007
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0826428290
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0826428295
• Book Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Weighs: 8.8 ounces

From Booklist
Leonard left his post as Habitat for Humanity's CEO in 2005. Now, in this insightful memoir, he looks back at what got him involved with Habitat and the extraordinary experiences he and his wife shared while working on Habitat projects around the world, from West Philly to Ghana, Belfast, and Houston. He also addresses the lofty goals he thinks Habitat should strive toward in the future. Coming from a top managerial position in a large home-building corporation, Leonard, a former minister, was immediately impressed with Habitat's ability to bridge the social and economic dissimilarities of its participants, each one leaving his or her "title, status, wallet, pedigree, color, gender, education, and background at the door." He dreams of a more holistic approach for Habitat, perhaps offering scholarships, after-school programs, and loans for family businesses. He advocates inviting other organizations to contribute expertise in health issues, education, and employment. Leonard concludes this informative and inspiring account of a successful, altruistic not-for-profit organization by writing, "Let Habitat reach beyond houses." Deborah Donovan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Book Description
Habitat for Humanity International focuses on two goals. The first is to build as many houses as it can, using the principles of sweat equity, no interest, no-profit, volunteer-driven construction- one house, one family at a time-in every corner of the world. Today Habitat is completing a house somewhere in the world every 26 minutes (20,000 per year). Habitat also attempts to make housing a matter of conscience everywhere. Habitat wants everyone to understand that it is morally and socially unacceptable for any human being not to have a simple, decent place to sleep at night. Yet, all is not well in the Habitat household. In late 2004, Habitat’s founder Millard Fuller was forced out of his job by the board of directors of the Christian homebuilding ministry. The announcement that Fuller was stepping down came near the end of a tumultuous year for Fuller and the Americus, Georgia-based organization that he co-founded in 1976 with his wife, Linda. The year included allegations against Fuller by a female employee of inappropriate behavior and a struggle concerning the organization’s future. The shakeout, now apparently complete, could affect Habitat for years. Part memoir, part History of Habitat, and part expose, Leonard’s book provides a glimpse into the shattered world of an organization built on the trust of the recipients of its labors. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: Music of a Thousand Hammers: Inside Habitat for Humanity (Hardcover) Why has Habitat for Humanity captured the hearts and minds of so many in North America from evangelicals to nonbelievers? "Music of a Thousand Hammers" answers that question with an interesting and provocative series of stories based on the experience of Paul and Judy Leonard as Habitat builders and leaders. The reader follows the Leonard's initial discovery in the 1990s of Habitat's transformative work. Their increasing commitment takes them on fascinating journeys from the US to Ghana, Nepal, New Zealand, the Philippines, and many other countries. As the former Chairman of Habitat's International Board of Directors and Habitat's interim CEO, Paul Leonard writes with intimate knowledge of Habitat operations from its headquarters to its work in remote areas of the world. One of the most striking qualities of his fascinating and highly readable book is that Habitat volunteers clearly benefit enormously (in body, mind, and spirit) from their work in helping families to build their own homes. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to know more about Habitat for Humanity and what makes it such a dynamic and productive organization. Comment | Permalink | (Report this)