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Habitat for Humanity

Since 1990...

  • BellSouth employees throughout the Southeast have raised $1 million for Habitat for Humanity.
  • BellSouth has matched the amount dollar for dollar, for a total contribution to Habitat for Humanity of $2 million.
  • Monetary contributions have helped build more than 200 homes across the nine-state BellSouth region and Washington, D.C.

Founded in 1976 by husband and wife team Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) seeks to eliminate poverty housing worldwide. Habitat ranks as the 15th-largest homebuilder in the United States, according to Professional Builder magazine, the flagship publication of the National Association of Home Builders.


BellSouth became Habitat for Humanity's first corporate sponsor in 1990 after researching ways to address compelling social needs within its nine-state service territory that also would align with the company's strengths and strategic directions. Habitat for Humanity International, whose mission is to provide decent, safe and affordable housing for people in need, was identified as an ideal match with the company's social commitments.

Now, BellSouth and its Pioneer volunteers have committed to build an additional 100 Habitat for Humanity homes throughout the company's service area by the year 2001.


In order to qualify for Habitat for Humanity homes, families must demonstrate financial need, the ability to make moderate mortgage payments and the commitment and desire to improve the lives of their families. Once a family is approved for home ownership by the affiliate board, they make their down payment with "sweat-equity" by working 150 or more hours on their future home and the homes of others.

Mirtha Vasquez's dream of becoming a homeowner is now reality—thanks to BellSouth, Oprah Winfrey and Habitat for Humanity.

Vasquez, a single mother of three children and a detention officer with the Roswell, Ga., Police Department, helped BellSouth volunteers and Habitat for Humanity regulars break ground for her house on July 11, 1998. The house was dedicated Sept. 12, 1998.

BellSouth became the sole sponsor of the house after Oprah Winfrey challenged viewers in September 1997 to volunteer and help build 202 houses with Habitat for Humanity - one house in every city with a TV station that carries the Oprah show.

Shortly after Oprah made the challenge, BellSouth contacted corporate representatives at Habitat for Humanity International in Americus, Ga. The North Fulton Habitat for Humanity affiliate was subsequently selected to partner with BellSouth for this project. The house cost $55,000 to build.


BellSouth employees who are interested in volunteering for Habitat for Humanity can e-mail Suzanne Bentz. All others should visit the Habitat for Humanity Web site to find volunteer opportunities in their areas.

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