Music of a Thousand Hammers: Inside Habitat for Humanity

Paul Leonard has a unique perspective on Habitat for Humanity, as a volunteer, a donor, a Board member at the local affiliate and International levels, Board Chair and Acting CEO during some of the most challenging periods in its history. Through it all, Paul and his wife Judy have maintained dedication to the ideals of Habitat and to working in partnership with people in need of simple, decent, affordable housing. This book is an inspiration. I am actvely referring it to people currently involved in Habitat for Humanity, people curious about Habitat for Humanity and others interested in the challenges and rewards of non-profit work.

Music of a Thousand Hammers is a very thoughtful presentation of the life the Leonard's have spent in the years since Paul retired. It gives the way he became associated with Habitat and the ways he and Judy have tried to help the organazation. I have known them for thirty years and have never met anyone who is more generous or less likely to expect priase for their efforts. They believed they needed to go to Americus to help Habitat and I know them well enough to know that it was critical time for the organization. Habitat is stronger and the organization now has a way to continue into the future and grow. Habitat is the work of the thousand hammers and the thousands of people who believe in the philosophy of giving a hand up instead of a handout. It is not one person's idea anymore or one couple's organizaton. It is a movement that takes a volunteer and turns them into a believer in the business of helping build communities. It takes a potential homeowner and teaches them how to be a neighbor and friend within a community. Magic happens on Habitat builds and the Leonards show in this book how the magic comes about.

Paul Leonard handles this complicated and potentially destructive tale with grace and dignity. Anyone who has poured heart and soul into an organization, is a dedicated volunteer, or who serves on the board of a non profit should read this especially well-written book. Leonard gives us the real story beyond the headlines and sound bites, and thankfully skips any seedy speculation. Often those involved in difficult public situations write books after-the-fact that seek to present "their side of the story" with predictable personal butt-covering underlying the tale. Not so here. Music of a Thousand Hammers is, rather, an inspirational and hopeful read. Our world could use a whole lot more Paul and Judy Leonards!

Why has Habitat for Humanity captured the hearts and minds of so many in North America from evangelicals to nonbelievers? "Music of a Thousand Hammers" answers that question with an interesting and provocative series of stories based on the experience of Paul and Judy Leonard as Habitat builders and leaders. The reader follows the Leonard's initial discovery in the 1990s of Habitat's transformative work. Their increasing commitment takes them on fascinating journeys from the US to Ghana, Nepal, New Zealand, the Philippines, and many other countries. As the former Chairman of Habitat's International Board of Directors and Habitat's interim CEO, Paul Leonard writes with intimate knowledge of Habitat operations from its headquarters to its work in remote areas of the world. One of the most striking qualities of his fascinating and highly readable book is that Habitat volunteers clearly benefit enormously (in body, mind, and spirit) from their work in helping families to build their own homes. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to know more about Habitat for Humanity and what makes it such a dynamic and productive organization.

Paul Leonard offers an insiders' view of the successful efforts to prepare Habitat for global service in the 21st century. His book has been widely praised by a remarkable cross section of national leaders including President Jimmy Carter, Jack Kemp, Hugh McColl, Habitat's current CEO Jonathan Reckford and others. One of the most instructive parts of the book deal with Leonard's struggles to work with Habitat's founder Millard Fuller to make necessary changes to the organization's management and operation. Habitat supporters and volunteers will especially appreciate Leonard's account of the Habitat travels that he and his wife Judy have undertaken to various countries in recent years. His is a searingly honest, thoughtful and joyful testimony to what Habitat has meant to individuals all over the world.