What People are Saying

  • Step inside the Thrivent Builds Mobile. Be inspired. Fight poverty housing in your community. The Thrivent Builds Mobile is a bright red multimedia exhibit on wheels that tells the story of poverty housing in America and the simple steps we can take to be part of the solution. Check it out! www.thriventbuilds.com

  • "As one who spends several days each year building houses for Habitat for Humanity, I'm grateful for Jonathan Reckford's inspiring book. He makes the social case for Habitat's activities, stressing the justice issues of poverty housing, and he states the scriptural mandates that should compel all his readers to take up the cause. . . . This book will lead many of its readers to places they never imagined. . . . Those who read Jonathan Reckford's book may find their lives forever changed."

    —Bob Edgar, General Secretary, National Council of Churches USA

  • "Reckford's account of Habitat for Humanity's contribution to the realization of the Millennium Development Goals is truly inspiring. The book should stir civil society organizations to scale up their efforts and hold Governments accountable to meet their commitment to achieve the Millennium Goals. The Right to Shelter along with the other Millennium Goals are indeed basic human rights."

    —Salil Shetty, Director, United Nations Millennium Campaign

  • "Jonathan has captured well both the spirit and energy of Habitat for Humanity that has transformed hopelessness to hopefulness for families around the world. He demonstrates not only the importance of ending poverty housing, but that all of us can play a part."

    —John L. McCullough, CEO, Church World Service

  • "An inspiring look at an inspirational organization . . . .Habitat's new CEO has clearly embraced the mission, vision and values of his organization. By telling heartfelt stories, referencing Biblical passages, and asking readers to reflect on their own purpose in life, Reckford builds a powerful case for how we can eliminate substandard housing in our lifetime."

    —Bruce Nicholson, President and CEO, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

  • "Thank you, Jonathan Reckford, for elevating our sights beyond today's polarizing political and religious polemics and so inspiringly reminding us that there is no higher calling than the common ground of serving 'the least of these.'"

    —Neal Keny-Guyer, CEO, Mercy Corps

  • "Habitat for Humanity is one of the most powerful examples in modern history of a cause that has touched the lives of masses of people in need, uplifted its workers and volunteers, and shared a moral wellspring. Jonathan Reckford in Creating a Habitat for Humanity sharpens the moral imperative so that it can provide the impetus for the next generation of Habitat's contributions in the United States and around the world."

    —Henry Cisneros, Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Executive Chairman, CityView

  • "What a great thing when a very good idea can get better. Jonathan Reckford clearly understands the organization he has been asked to lead. He celebrates Habitat's unique contributions to community development and does so with direct and personal knowledge of the challenges of poverty and Habitat's accomplishments. But Reckford does more. He calls us to be involved in Habitat's vision and he calls Habitat to build on its vision. The book will be as helpful to new Habitat recruits as it is to the long-committed faithful - those who have given themselves to Habitat for Humanity's principles and have thought deeply about where the movement for community change needs to go from here.

    —Rev. Paul Dirdak, Deputy General Secretary, The United Methodist Committee On Relief

  • "In this small but powerful book, Jonathan Reckford offers a moving, impassioned call to end homelessness and poverty not only for those of us living in the United States, but for all the world's people. Through blending a discussion of the housing challenges our world faces with the stories of those who have been changed because of their personal experience with Habitat, Reckford illustrates how fighting poverty is a matter of moral necessity."

    —Nan Roman, President, National Alliance to End Homelessness

  • "Jonathan Reckford's new book, Creating a Habitat for Humanity frames for all of us the whole issue of housing and then nails down exactly why and how you and I can help. Informative, moving, illuminating, and encouraging, the book is a great guide for individuals and groups who want to become involved but lack the tools."

    —The Honorable Jack Kemp, former Vice Presidential Candidate, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and former US Congressman

  • "Jonathan Reckford draws from his rich experience to offer us a thoughtful perspective on how we Christians and non-Christians alike may engage with the issues of housing for the poor. His discussion is both informative and stirring. He gives us beautiful stories of individuals finding hope, communities coming together and God working through the obedient to show justice and mercy. As he explores the full dimensions of God's commandments in Micah 6:8, I am struck by how much the world needs justice and mercy today, and what a joy it is to pursue these and take part in sharing God's Kingdom."

    —Dean R. Hirsch, President, World Vision International

  • "The memories of my first Habitat for Humanity build came flooding back as I read this book, bringing tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. . . . The questions for reflection after each chapter give one an opportunity to search their own soul as to one's own definition of embracing the gift of humanity."

    —Claudia R. Bosch, Catholic Daughters National Regent

  • "Jonathan Reckford has captured the spirit of Habitat for Humanity with stories and experiences that tell the true meaning of 'love thy neighbor as thyself'. This book is an encouragement for all people to join forces and build homes, eliminating poverty housing and building stronger communities."

    — Janet Huckabee, First Lady of Arkansas and coordinator for Governor's Wives Women Build Program

  • "Creating a Habitat for Humanity, No Hands but Yours captures that which makes the work of Habitat for Humanity so very unique and special - partnerships. During his initial year of service with Habitat for Humanity, Jonathan Reckford has experienced the passionate spirit of people who desire to help provide a hand up for others around the world. Jonathan articulates Habitat's new and catalytic role to engage and inspire, working with and through other organizations, institutions and partners to help eliminate poverty housing from the face of the earth.

    We are proud to be a part of the continued evolution of Habitat's leadership in eradicating substandard housing across the globe. As a result, the resolve of our organization is made even stronger as we look to expand our commitment first made in 1999. Our partnership goes beyond the obvious product and financial support, and today includes the heart of our people in eighteen countries and by 2011, our goal is to support every Habitat home built around the world. Creating a Habitat for Humanity, No Hands but Yours embodies the human spirit of Habitat's work and challenges every one of us to not be content today with the state of global housing but to boldly continue making a difference in the lives of others."

    —Jeff Fettig, Chairman & CEO, Whirlpool Corporation

  • "Creating a Habitat for Humanity: No Hands but Yours gives concrete hope and conviction that individual, personal action can make a difference, especially when we join with others. Solutions do not come in isolation. They come in community when many hands join together.

    This wonderful account of the work of Habitat for Humanity offers compelling evidence that -together- we can make a difference. 'If not us, who?' Creating a Habitat for Humanity is a must-read for caring people everywhere."

    —Timothy F. Collins, Executive Director, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, USCCB