Supporters rally for embattled Habitat for Humanity founders

<p>Supporters of the embattled founder and former president of Habitat for Humanity gathered Saturday to tell of his impact on their lives and to protest his firing earlier this week.</p><p>More than 100 people gathered at Rees Park in Americus, where the organization's headquarters are located, with petitions calling for the rehire of Millard Fuller and his wife, Linda. Organizers are also seeking signatures online.</p><p>Volunteer Stuart Perry said he was hurt by the firings. "These folks are good people. We want them back on board," he said.</p><p>Protesters united across the country, pledging their loyalty to Fuller as far as Yonkers, N.Y., where about 30 Habitat volunteers stopped work for about 15 minutes to pray for the couple.</p><p>Fuller has said that he wants to go back to the agency as president. He was fired Monday by Habitat's board of directors after a dispute over allegations that he had acted inappropriately with a female staff member. Fuller has denied the charge, and it was never substantiated.</p><p>The couple's daughter, Faith, thanked the Americus crowd for their support on behalf of her parents.</p><p>"Thank you for standing with us. It's easy to stand with someone when they're on top, but your real friends stand with you when things are not going so well," she said. "My family is very appreciative for your support."</p><p>Millard and Linda Fuller did not attend the Americus rally. They met Saturday with former President Jimmy Carter _ a longtime Habitat supporter, friend of the Fullers and the search committee's honorary chairman for Millard Fuller's replacement _ to discuss how the couple can continue to be involved with the charity.</p><p>The Christian home-building group has more than 1,700 affiliates that have built about 175,000 homes in more than 100 nations.</p>

http://accesswdun.com/article/2005/2/151982