The concept that became HFHI was born at Koinonia Farm, located outside of Americus, Georgia. Fuller's idea was 'partnership housing'; those in need of adequate shelter would work side by side with volunteers to build simple, decent houses. The basic model for what would become HFHI began in 1968. 42 house sites were laid out, and homes were built and sold to families at no interest and no profit. It was in September 1976 that the Fullers called together supporters of their idea and HFHI as an organization was developed.

Today, HFHI is a worldwide movement with more than 1900 affiliates in 64 countries. Each affiliate is responsable for all aspects of home building in its area. The responsabilities include: fund raising, building site selection, partner family selection, house construction, and mortgage servicing. Each affiliate is asked to donate 10% of its contributions to support building in developing countries. Headquarters for HFHI are located in Americus, Georgia.

The families that are assisted by HFHI are selected by the local affiliate based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the ni-interest loan. In addition to the monthly mortgage payments, homeowners must also invest sweat equity, hours of their own labor into building their home and homes of others.

HFHI has lofty goals for the future. The organization plans on building 100,000 houses over the next five years.