I'm sitting here at my desk writing this article on the afternoon of November 24, two days before Thanksgiving. There are certainly many topics we could explore, but I can't stop thinking about giving and gratitude. I was reminded today by our local Rotary that we are the most generous nation in the world. I have chosen to write my article this week on "Habitat for Humanity." This is my subtle way of combining real estate and charitable giving.

I've donated to Habitat for Humanity for at least a decade, always feeling a connection with the organization since it was based on providing housing. But in doing a little research to write this article, I have now become a lifelong fan. This charity is run as all should be. It's not a handout, it's a hand up.

The concept that grew into Humanity International was born at Koinonia Farm, a small, interracial, Christian community outside of Americus, GA. After visiting Koinonia Farms in 1965, Millard and Linda Fuller left behind a successful business and an affluent lifestyle to begin a new life of purpose and Christian service. The Fullers, along with the founder of Koinonia Farms, Biblical scholar and farmer Clarence Jordan, developed the concept of "partnership housing." The concept centered on those in need of adequate shelter working side by side with volunteers to build decent, simple homes.

The homes are built at no profit and interest is not charged on loans. Building costs are financed by a revolving fund called "The Fund for Humanity." The fund's money comes from the new homeowner's house payments, no interest loans provided by supporters and money earned by fundraising activities.

The thought and the mission behind "Fund for Humanity" was simply that the poor don't need charity, they needed capital; they don't need caseworkers, they needed coworkers; and the rich needed a wise, and honorable way to divest themselves of their over-abundance. So in 1968, 42 half-acre home sites with four acres reserved for a community park and recreation area were set out. Capital was donated from around the country to start the work. Homes were built and sold to families in need at no profit and with no interest loans; hence, the basic model was created.

Habitat for Humanity's mission statement is as follows:

"Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with people in need by building and renovating houses so that there are decent homes in decent communities in which every person can experience God's love and can live and grow into all that God intends."

Habitat for Humanity has built over 300,000 homes around the world, providing more than 1.5 million people with a decent, affordable home in a safe community. Habitat for Humanity now operates in 90 countries and in all 50 states of the United States. Its board is made up of many impressive individuals. The chairman, Ron Terwilliger, is a national partner of Trammell Crow Residential, one of the nation's leading developers for over 60 years; that speaks volumes.

I have also heard (and had myself) a couple of misconceptions about Habitat.

Habitat houses reduce a neighborhood's property values. Housing studies show affordable housing has no adverse effect on neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat houses have proven to increase property values and local government tax income.

Habitat for Humanity gives houses away to poor people. Habitat for Humanity offers homeownership opportunities to families who are unable to obtain conventional house financing. Generally, this includes those whose income is 30 to 50 percent of the area's median income. In most cases, prospective Habitat homeowner families make a $500 down payment. Additionally, they contribute 300 to 500 hours of "sweat equity" on the construction of their home or someone else's home. Because Habitat houses are built using donations of land, material and labor, mortgage payments are kept affordable.

Habitat for Humanity was founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Former President Carter and his wife Rosalynn (whose home is eight miles from Habitat's headquarters and where it was founded), have been longtime Habitat supporters and volunteers who helped bring national attention to the organization's house-building work. Each year, they lead the Jimmy Carter Work Project to help build houses and raise awareness of the need for affordable housing.

In this season, I encourage you all to find a way to give back; there is no better feeling.