Founded by Millard and Linda Fuller in 1976, and well-publicized because of the hands-on involvement of former president Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn, this organization has built more than 125,000 homes, most nationally, some internationally. In response to the 2005 tsunami devastation, Habitat crews have done repair, renovation, and new construction in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The mission statement is detailed: “To be ministers of God’s inclusive love for all his creations. To work toward elimination of sub-standard housing by providing decent, affordable home. To offer education, support, and nurturing needed to strengthen homes, families and communities. To be in partnership with individuals, churches, businesses and community organizations and develop resources needed for this ministry.” An Affiliate’s Family Selection Committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, willingness to participate in the construction of a Habitat home before assisting in the building of their own, and their ability to repay the no-interest loan. PUMC members became active in Habitat work in the 1990s, some of them volunteering year-round to help build homes sponsored by other faith communities. PUMC has constructed five homes and has partnered with other faith communities on two houses, most of them in Matthews, where a Habitat office opened in 1989.

PUMC History