WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA | Millard Fuller Announces New Name for Organization

Millard Fuller Announces New Name for Organization

       Millard Fuller founded Habitat for Humanity International in 1976.  He was recently fired by the organization's Board of Directors following allegations of sexual harassment. 

      Fuller, who denies any wrongdoing, started his own housing organization called Building Habitat.  Habitat for Humanity filed a lawsuit against Fuller for using it's name.  Instead of fighting the suit, Fuller changed the name to the Fuller Center for Housing.

     "We do not want to use our resources and our time and our energies to fight somebody in court over a name and we don't want them using their resources for that reason either," Fuller said.

      The name was announced during a ceremony in Americus on Saturday.  In a statement, Habitat for Humanity International said, "We see the decision to change and the announcement of a new name as a very positive step.  Legal counsel for both sides has had very productive discussions this past week and we look forward to resolving the remaining issues."

   Fuller says Habitat is still claiming it's entitled to damages for the time Fuller used it's name.  He also says he's optimistic and hopeful that the lawsuit will be settled so both organizations can move on and concentrate on providing housing.

   Both organizations raise money for local Habitat for Humanity chapters.  Fuller says his center has received almost two million dollars in donations, and isn't meant to compete with the organization he originally founded.

By-Amanda Iler

ailer@wtvm.com