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Habitat for Humanity International’s 2012 Shelter Report highlights disaster planning and long-term recovery -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2011-10-06T20:42:40Z

Habitat for Humanity International’s 2012 Shelter Report highlights disaster planning and long-term recovery

Hundreds of millions vulnerable to disasters according to report

WASHINGTON (Oct. 6, 2011) —Habitat for Humanity International today released its “Shelter Report 2012 - Build Hope: Housing Cities after a Disaster.” The report highlights the urgent need for safer urban housing conditions to improve resilience and recovery after disasters.

“Communities with inadequate housing built near natural hazards are disproportionately affected by disasters,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “This impact to low-income families can be mitigated with sound community planning and safer construction standards both before and after disasters occur.”


	New Habitat homes under construction in Haiti as part of the rebuilding effort. The Shelter Report outlines how planning for permanence during rebuilding creates a more solid path to recovery for residents, families and entire communities

The Shelter Report details the importance of planning for long-term recovery as a part of disaster response, particularly in urban and developing areas with large populations that have grown rapidly. According to the report, the number of urban residents worldwide living in areas vulnerable to earthquakes and cyclones will grow from 680 million people in 2000 to 1.5 billion people by 2050. In many of these areas, infrastructure cannot keep up with population growth, leaving families with little or no access to adequate shelter, healthcare or basic human services in the wake of disasters.

The report also underlines the pivotal role housing plays in disaster recovery and explores many of the obstacles to rebuilding permanent housing. Housing, not only provides much needed shelter for those affected or displaced in a disaster, it also tends to facilitate other aspects of recovery. Safe, adequate shelter has a positive impact on human health, therefore leverages the investment of food and medical aid.

Obstacles to disaster recovery that inherently exist in urban, developing areas need to be taken into account during disaster planning and recovery. Poor infrastructure and densely populated areas lead to increased amounts of rubble and dangerous conditions for residents who lack adequate shelter after a disaster. Land tenure issues and poverty make it difficult to rebuild and recover, often resulting in residents deserting the area in hopes of finding better conditions.

Citing specific examples of areas in recovery, such as Haiti and the devastating impact of the 2010 earthquake, the report outlines how planning for permanence during rebuilding creates a more solid path to recovery for residents, families and entire communities. Strategic actions such as improving the integrity of housing structures to withstand disaster and employing local residents for reconstruction will help to rebuild homes, communities and economic stability.

In the report Habitat emphasizes that organizations involved in humanitarian shelter assistance incorporate long-term strategies in recovery efforts; prioritize coordination within and among different sectors providing disaster response; and identify land tenure solutions before disaster strikes or the reconstruction process begins.

Habitat for Humanity International unveiled the report today at an event held in conjunction with the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., in recognition of World Habitat Day, Oct. 3. Events recognizing World Habitat Day continue throughout the month of October, culminating with Habitat’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project being held in Leogane, Haiti in early November.

Copies of the 2012 Shelter Report are available online now at www.habitat.org/gov.

A webcast of the Brookings Institution is available at: http://www.brookings.edu/events/2011/1006_urban_recovery.aspx

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 500,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat’s blog community at www.habitat.org/blog.

Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program supports “Ten for Joplin” blitz build with house sponsorship, women volunteers -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2011-09-30T17:54:13Z

Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program supports “Ten for Joplin” blitz build with house sponsorship, women volunteers

Joplin, Missouri, effort aims to get ten low-income families into Habitat houses by Thanksgiving

ATLANTA (Sept. 29, 2011) – Habitat for Humanity International’s Women Build program is donating $100,000 and providing 30 women volunteers to construct a Women Build house during “Ten for Joplin,” a 10-house blitz build in Joplin, Missouri this fall. An effort of Tulsa Habitat for Humanity and Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity, “Ten for Joplin” aims to build, by Thanksgiving, 10 Habitat houses in partnership with 10 low-income families affected by the May 22 EF-5 tornado that damaged or destroyed nearly 7,500 houses. Some 43 percent of these houses were uninsured. The build will take place from Oct. 29 - Nov. 13, in a neighborhood of Joplin that was in the tornado’s path.

Underwritten by Lowe’s, Habitat for Humanity International's Women Build program recruits, educates and inspires women to build and advocate for simple, decent and affordable houses in their communities. More than 1,900 Habitat houses have been built by all-women construction crews since 1998.

“Women Build brings together women from all walks of life to create affordable housing in partnership with low-income families,” said Lisa Marie Nickerson, associate director of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program. “Knowing the need in Joplin is so great and will require support from thousands of volunteers and donors, we are honored to sponsor a house on behalf of all of the women who support Habitat’s mission around the world.”

In addition to Women Build, “Ten for Joplin” sponsors include the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, Arvest Bank, BKD CPAs & Advisors, Chase, Hilti, Samson, and TD Williamson, Inc. Advanced Industrial Devices, Inc. and Unit Corporation also signed up to sponsor half a house each. Gift in-kind donations have been provided by Cor-A-Vent, Hilti, and Thermal Windows, Inc. United Way contributed tornado relief funds to help with the purchase of the ten lots. Funding of $800,000 and gift-in-kind support is needed for the 10-house blitz build. To date, “Ten for Joplin” has secured $605,000 toward this goal.

To donate or volunteer, visit the “Ten for Joplin” website at tenforjoplin.org. For information on volunteering with Women Build, please visit habitat.org/cd/local/event.aspx.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than two million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit Habitat.org.

About Ten for Joplin
In a blitz build from Oct. 29 to Nov. 13, the Tulsa and Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity teams have joined forces with the City of Joplin to construct 10 homes for low-income families impacted by the devastating May 22 tornado. The Ten for Joplin project provides an opportunity for Tulsans and others in surrounding communities to contribute their time and money to help their neighbors in need. More information is available at tenforjoplin.org.

About Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity
The Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1989, and as of today we have constructed 33 homes with more on the way. The Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, nondenominational Christian housing organization. It is the vision of our organization to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the Jasper County Area, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Scott Clayton serves as Executive Director. More information is available at joplinhabitat.org.

About Tulsa Habitat for Humanity
Tulsa Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical, non-profit Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing while building decent, affordable housing in partnership with those in need in Tulsa County. Tulsa HFH and its families and house sponsors have built homes with over 230 families. Over 125 faith-based groups, companies, foundations and individuals have financially sponsored and helped build these homes. THFH has launch a 48-month campaign to help another 100 families build and buy their homes by 2013. Dr. Paul Kent serves as executive director. More information is available at habitat-tulsa.org.

Valspar Hands for Habitat program, featuring the auction of handprints from Actor Rob Lowe and more than 25 celebrity supporters, raised $150,000 in proceeds and in-kind donations for Habitat for Humanity -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2011-09-12T17:08:11Z

Valspar Hands for Habitat program, featuring the auction of handprints from Actor Rob Lowe and more than 25 celebrity supporters, raised $150,000 in proceeds and in-kind donations for Habitat for Humanity

Program proceeds to benefit Habitat’s rebuilding efforts in Haiti

NEW YORK CITY, Sept. 12, 2011 – Today, actor Rob Lowe, Valspar Paint and Habitat for Humanity International announce the Valspar Hands for Habitat program is contributing $150,000 in proceeds and gifts in-kind to benefit Habitat for Humanity’s rebuilding efforts in Haiti. Habitat has set a goal to serve 50,000 families impacted by Haiti’s 2010 earthquake, helping move them toward safe, secure and permanent housing.

Valspar Hands for Habitat, launched by Rob Lowe, featured handprints from more than 25 top celebrities and notable personalities in film, television, music, sports, design, and fashion. In a nod to Haiti’s historically colorful homes and Valspar’s belief in the transformative power in color, the handprints were made using a variety of Valspar Paint colors.

“I am honored to work with Valspar and Habitat for Humanity on this incredible initiative, and I’m amazed at the outpouring of support from my peers and those who placed bids on the handprints,” said Valspar Hands for Habitat ambassador Rob Lowe. “Thanks to the success of this program, Habitat will be able to help Haitian families rebuild their lives.”

Top selling handprints auctioned through charitybuzz.com included Donnie Wahlberg, which raised $9,500, and Rob Lowe, with a winning bid of $5,000. Other notable personalities who donated their handprints to Valspar Hands for Habitat included Andy Cohen, Angie Harmon, Ashley Greene, Bethenny Frankel, Brittany Snow, Busy Philipps, Calvin Klein, Cyndi Lauper, Cynthia Rowley, Ellen DeGeneres, Emily Bergl, Ethan Hawke, Felicity Huffman, James Earl Jones, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Jason Sehorn, Jonathan Adler, Katie Couric, Kid Rock, Kristen Johnston, Lauren Conrad, Liev Schreiber, Mary McDonald, Melissa Rivers, Miles Redd, Naomi Watts, Nate Berkus, Nathan Turner, Paula Deen, Robert Verdi, Susan Sarandon, Teri Hatcher, Tori Spelling, Tory Burch, Vanessa Williams, Zac Posen and more.

Valspar donated $1,000 for each set of celebrity handprints, as well as 2,000 gallons of paint for Habitat’s rebuilding efforts in Haiti, for a total of $150,000 in auction proceeds, cash and in-kind contributions on behalf of the Valspar Hands for Habitat program. The initiative has also raised renewed awareness of the number of families still in need of affordable shelter after the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

“We are overwhelmed and grateful for the incredible response to this initiative,” said Howard Heckes, senior vice president, Valspar Global Consumer. “Through the Valspar Hands for Habitat program and our ongoing partnership, we have had the opportunity to further support Habitat for Humanity’s mission to help create simple, decent shelter in partnership with Haitian families.”

Valspar is also encouraging the general public to support this initiative and “lend a hand” by taking a picture of their own hands and posting it to the Valspar Paint Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ValsparPaint. For every photo received through September 15, Valspar will donate an additional $1 to Habitat for Humanity.

The Valspar Hands for Habitat program is part of an ongoing partnership between Valspar and Habitat for Humanity International. Valspar Paint has donated more than $40 million in cash and paint to the organization. Valspar and Habitat recently marked their long-standing partnership by celebrating the 1 millionth gallon of Valspar Paint donated to Habitat.

“Habitat is humbled by the generosity of Valspar, the celebrity participants and those who supported the auction,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Valspar and are grateful for the generous proceeds from the Valspar Hands for Habitat program, which will enable us to help more families in Haiti move toward safe and permanent homes.”

For additional information and to find out how you too can “lend a hand”, visit www.Facebook.com/ValsparPaint.

About The Valspar Corporation
The Valspar Corporation (NYSE: VAL) is a global leader in the paint and coatings industry. Since 1806, Valspar has been dedicated to bringing customers the latest innovations, the finest quality and the best customer service in the coatings industry.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit Habitat.org.

Darden commitment exceeds $1 million gift-in-kind donations to Habitat ReStore resale outlets -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2011-09-01T13:20:33Z

Darden commitment exceeds $1 million gift-in-kind donations to Habitat ReStore resale outlets

Darden’s ongoing commitment to give back drives funding for local Habitat affiliates to build and improve homes

Orlando, Florida (August 30, 2011) – Items donated to Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore resale outlets from remodeled Darden Restaurants have topped $1.2 million in value and have rapidly moved off the floors of Habitat ReStores across the nation. The gift-in-kind donations to Habitat began in 2010, when Darden began updating more than 300 of its Red Lobster, Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse locations.


	Find your local Habitat ReStore resale outlet.

To date, 150 Darden restaurants have been remodeled—contributing art, furnishings, hostess stands and even western-themed decor to Habitat ReStore resale outlets. The ReStores stock new and lightly-used furnishings, building materials and appliances for sale to help local Habitat affiliates fund the construction, rehabilitation and repair of homes within their communities.

“Darden’s contribution is part of our company’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities we serve,” said Drew Madsen, president and chief operating officer for Darden.

“This partnership with Habitat for Humanity helps our company live its values,” Madsen said. “By donating furnishings and other items to ReStores, we honor our commitment to sustainability and contribute to Habitat’s mission of building homes and strengthening communities around the country.”

The 700 Habitat ReStores across the nation operate through local Habitat for Humanity affiliates and thrive through contributions, volunteers and donations, including items from product close-outs or remodels. The stores promote the concept of recycling and reuse, keeping quality items out of landfills and offering goods at a discount to the general public.

Habitat for Humanity Kansas City ReStore director Brian Alferman received donations from seven LongHorn restaurants over a three-month period for an established and a new ReStore. Alferman called the items, “a tremendous boon to our ReStores. They were a great money-maker and helped to create a buzz around town about our new location.”

“This partnership is boosting sales at ReStores and providing funds for Habitat for Humanity to serve more families in need of decent, affordable housing,” said Larry Gluth, senior vice president of U.S. and Canada, Habitat for Humanity International. “Thanks to the commitment of donors, volunteers, communities and homeowner partners, and businesses such as Darden, we are seeing neighborhood revitalization happening across the country. We look forward to a continued relationship with Darden in the years ahead.”

About Darden
Darden Restaurants, Inc., the world's largest full-service restaurant company, owns and operates more than 1,900 restaurants that generate more than $7.5 billion in annual sales. Headquartered in Orlando, and employing approximately 180,000 people, Darden is recognized for a culture that rewards caring for and responding to people. In 2011, Darden became the first full-service restaurant company ever to be named on the FORTUNE "100 Best Companies to Work For" list. Our restaurant brands—Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52—reflect the rich diversity of those who dine with us. Our brands are built on deep insights into what our guests want. For more information, please visit www.darden.com.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit Habitat.org.

Habitat for Humanity and PG&E Join Forces to Brighten Lives of Families with Solar-Powered Homes -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2011-07-25T20:46:50Z

Habitat for Humanity and PG&E Join Forces to Brighten Lives of Families with Solar-Powered Homes

Utility Renews Partnership with Solar Energy System Donations for More Than 330 Homes

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Habitat for Humanity International and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) have renewed their partnership for a fifth year to help provide solar power to Habitat homes built in Northern and Central California. Since its inception in 2007, the PG&E Solar Habitat program has assisted in the construction of 250 solar-powered Habitat homes and is on track to build another 83 homes in 2011. The announcement was made July 22 at a Habitat for Humanity for San Luis Obispo County build site in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

“PG&E shares in our passion to help low-income families,” said Larry Gluth, senior vice president of U.S. and Canada for Habitat for Humanity International. “This partnership translates into real savings for Habitat homeowners by lowering energy costs and providing more stable and affordable housing options.”

With this year’s contribution of nearly $1.2 million, PG&E has donated more than $5.7 million to Habitat for Humanity International to help respond to the housing needs of California families. The contribution is further supported by thousands of hours of educational instruction, skill development and hundreds of volunteer hours that PG&E employees have provided at local Habitat builds across the state.

“The PG&E Solar Habitat project extends the accessibility of affordable solar energy to more Californians,” said Chris Johns, president of Pacific Gas and Electric Company and board member of the PG&E Corporation Foundation. “The money from solar energy, along with the positive environmental impacts, helps contribute to a healthier environment for us all.”

The PG&E Solar Habitat program lowers the electricity bill of an average household by $500 per year. Each solar panel generates nearly 300 kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable energy from sunlight per month, avoiding the release of more than 132,000 pounds of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere over the 30-year life of the system. This year’s donation is the equivalent of taking 950 cars off the road for an entire year.

About Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), strives to power strong communities throughout Northern and Central California. PG&E is committed to energy sustainability, resource conservation and environmental stewardship. The company’s environmental leadership covers a broad range of activities, from protecting sensitive habitats and species, to fighting climate change through renewable resources, to PG&E Solar Habitat and local Earth Day projects. Community investments are funded entirely by shareholders. For more information, visit www.pgecorpfoundation.org.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit Habitat.org.

Habitat for Humanity International’s Cars for Homes program reaches $10 million milestone -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2011-06-07T19:43:16Z

Habitat for Humanity International’s Cars for Homes program reaches $10 million milestone

ATLANTA (June 7, 2011) –Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program has distributed more than $10 million to Habitat affiliates since the program’s inception in 2003.

Habitat’s Cars for Homes has helped fund the construction of Habitat homes like the one pictured above in Mobile, Ala.
Read related Habitat World blog post.

Cars for Homes is Habitat for Humanity’s national vehicle donation program that provides donors a quick and easy process for donating cars, trucks, boats, RVs and other vehicles to help build homes in partnership with local low-income families in need of decent, affordable shelter.

“We are very pleased to have reached this major milestone with the Cars for Homes program,” said Marcia Rundle, the director of the program. “Thanks to our generous donors, Habitat affiliates have been able to use the funds earned from the recycling of used and idle vehicles to help address affordable housing needs in their communities.”

The Cars for Homes program began in the state of Washington in November 2003 as a pilot program. In 2005, it was approved as a national program of Habitat for Humanity International. The Cars for Homes program was created specifically to assist Habitat affiliates by generating funding from the sale of donated vehicles. Revenue is distributed to affiliates based on the zip code of the donor.

More than 1,100 Habitat affiliates nationwide and five Habitat national offices around the world have received funding from the program.

To learn more about Cars for Homes, visit: http://www.habitat.org/carsforhomes/default.aspx .

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than two million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit Habitat.org.

Random House and Habitat for Humanity celebrate picture book collaboration with a home build in Newburgh, N.Y., on June 7th -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2011-06-07T19:42:26Z

Random House and Habitat for Humanity celebrate picture book collaboration with a home build in Newburgh, N.Y., on June 7th

“The Carpenter’s Gift” available nationwide Sept. 27, 2011, from Random House Books for Young Readers

	Read more: www.habitat.org/TheCarpentersGift

NEW YORK CITY (June 7, 2011) – A young boy’s wish to live in a decent home and how that wish comes true one Christmas is the subject of a tale set for nationwide release Sept. 27, 2011, from Random House Books for Young Readers. Set in Depression-era New York, “The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree” is a beautiful and inspiring 48-page picture book written by David Rubel in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, with illustrations by Jim LaMarche (Rainbabies; Albert).

Each year Tishman Speyer, the owner and operator of Rockefeller Center, donates lumber from the tree to Habitat for Humanity. Since 2007, Habitat has used the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lumber to help build homes in Pascagoula, Miss.; New York City; and Stamford, Conn. The lumber from the 2010 tree will be used to build a home in New York state by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh. In honor of the publication of “The Carpenter’s Gift,” staff from Random House Children’s Books also will be helping to build a home in Newburgh, along with members of the media.

It’s 1931 and eight-year-old Henry and his father are selling Christmas trees in New York City. After they donate one of their trees to workers building Rockefeller Center, it is erected in the plaza and adorned with homemade decorations. Amazed by the tree, Henry wishes on it for a decent home, a wish that comes true when the workers help Henry’s family build a home for he and his parents live. To commemorate the act, Henry plants a pinecone and, years later, repays the kindness of the construction workers by donating the tree that grew from it to serve as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. After the holiday season, the tree is milled into lumber and used to help build a home for another family in need.

“The Rockefeller Center Tree has come to be a universal holiday icon,” says Kate Klimo, Vice President and Publisher of the Random House/Golden Books Young Readers Group. “The story behind it serves to enrich the tree’s significance even as it extols the spiritual power of giving and lending a hand to those in need.”

	Heidi Kilgras, editorial director at Random House, helps to build a Habitat home. Staff from Random House participated in a one-day build. Random House is publishing "The Carpenter's Gift," a children's book about Habitat for Humanity. *©Habitat for Humanity International/Ezra Millstein*

“We are excited about this touching story of a family in need of a decent home and those who come together to make that home a reality,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “This story was inspired by Tishman Speyer’s annual donation of lumber from the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to help build Habitat homes and by the caring communities who reach out to help their neighbors every day.”

“We’re very honored to host staff from Random House Children’s Books who will be releasing ‘The Carpenter’s Gift’ later this year,” said Cathy Collins, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh. “The touching story will help Habitat raise awareness about the critical need for affordable housing across the country. I’m excited they had the opportunity to work on the home where the 2010 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lumber will be used. We would like to thank Random House, Tishman Speyer and all of the volunteers who graciously donate their time and resources to help make the dream of owning a home a reality for working families.”

Random House Children’s Books is the world’s largest English-language children’s trade book publisher. Creating books for toddlers through young adult readers, in all formats from board books to activity books to picture books, novels, and ebooks, the imprints of Random House Children’s Books bring together award-winning authors and illustrators, world-famous franchise characters, and multimillion-copy series. The company’s website, kids@random (http://www.randomhouse.com/kids ) offers an array of activities, games and educational resources for children, teens, parents, and educators. Random House Children’s Books is a division of Random House, Inc., whose parent company is Bertelsmann AG, a leading international media company.

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than two million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit Habitat.org.

Tishman Speyer is the co-owner and manager of Rockefeller Center, the world-famous real estate, shopping and dining complex in the heart of midtown Manhattan. Rockefeller Center is the site of numerous public exhibits and events, including large-scale installations of public art by world-renowned artists including Takashi Murakami, Jeff Koons and Jonathan Borofsky. Tishman Speyer has earned a worldwide reputation for innovative utilization of public art in its signature commercial properties, which include Rockefeller Center and Chrysler Center. Tishman Speyer is committed to the preservation and restoration of Rockefeller Center and the historic Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center, one of New York’s top attractions. Each day an estimated 350,000 people visit the Rockefeller Plaza complex, which during the holidays is home to the most famous Christmas Tree in the world.

Delta volunteers build five houses with Habitat for Humanity in China -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2011-05-23T16:37:18Z

Delta volunteers build five houses with Habitat for Humanity in China

More than 50 employees volunteer for Delta’s “Force for Global Good” in China

ATLANTA, May 20, 2011 – Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) and Habitat for Humanity will join forces

May 23 - 25, to help build five Habitat houses in Pinghu, a municipality near Shanghai, as part of Delta’s Force for Global Good program to effect positive local and global change.

More than 50 Delta employees will build houses in Pinghu, China, where many families are living in decades-old mud-brick homes without proper sanitation. Delta also is joining forces with SkyTeam partners China Southern and China Eastern, which are sending more than 20 volunteers to work with the Delta team.

“At Delta, we take seriously our responsibility to contribute to the communities we serve,” said Ed Bastian, president of Delta and a Habitat for Humanity International board member. “It is our privilege to help families in Pinghu improve their living conditions.”

Sandeep Bahl, Delta director - China and Hong Kong added, “It is an honor to build these homes working alongside employees from our Chinese partner airlines. Delta will continue to find ways to work with our China-based SkyTeam partners to make a difference in local communities.”

Delta volunteers will be joined by Ronald Hernandez of New Orleans, La., a Delta SkyMiles® member who bid more than 483,000 miles in an online auction to win the opportunity to participate in the build. The miles will be donated to Habitat for Humanity.

“Delta's donations and volunteers will help improve the living conditions of members of the Pinghu community and provide critical support to Habitat for Humanity China's ongoing disaster response initiatives including Sichuan Earthquake rebuilding efforts,” said Kester Yim, managing director of Habitat for Humanity China. "The arrival of the Delta Force for Global Good demonstrates how Habitat for Humanity is mobilizing resources from around the world for life-changing local impact.”

This will be the second time Delta volunteers and Habitat for Humanity have worked together in Asia. Two years ago, nearly 70 Delta employees traveled to the Mekong Valley in Thailand to build homes as part of Habitat’s Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project.

This is Delta’s seventh international build with Habitat for Humanity. Delta employees from around the globe use vacation time and pay a portion of their expenses to volunteer on the international builds and help those in need of simple, decent and affordable housing, while also taking the opportunity to know more about the country and its culture. Delta has been involved in similar projects in South Africa, Ghana, India, Thailand and Chile. Within the United States, Delta’s volunteers have built houses in New York, Mississippi, Georgia, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Minnesota, Michigan, Florida and California.

Delta has supported Habitat for Humanity for more than 20 years and strengthened the partnership in 2006 by becoming a national partner and unveiling the first 767-300 featuring a unique Habitat for Humanity livery and a Delta “Force for Global Good” decal.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than two million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit Habitat.org.

About Habitat for Humanity China
Habitat for Humanity China was established in 2000 and merged its operations in Hong Kong and China into a single entity in 2006. The move aimed to leverage the resources and business acumen of Asia’s premier international city to promote Habitat’s mission of providing decent housing for those in need in the world’s largest developing economy. Habitat for Humanity China currently works in Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces as well as in Hong Kong and Shanghai. For more information, visit www.habitatchina.org.

About Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year, and was named by Fortune magazine as the most admired airline worldwide in its 2011 World's Most Admired Companies airline industry list. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 346 destinations in 64 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry’s leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline’s service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, the world’s largest airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Delta is investing more than $2 billion through 2013 in airport facilities and global products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.

First volunteers to start Habitat for Humanity response operation in Japan -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2011-05-06T14:26:01Z

First volunteers to start Habitat for Humanity response operation in Japan

ATLANTA (May 2, 2011) –Twelve Habitat for Humanity volunteers from universities across Japan are travelling to Ofunato, in Iwate Prefecture, to assist families affected by the March 11, 2011 earthquake. The trip is part of Habitat’s response operation in Japan.

The Habitat volunteers will pull out wet floor insulation, tatami mats (traditional Japanese flooring) and clear mud from dozens of houses in Ofunato so that families can return home from evacuation centers. The volunteer effort is expected to be the first of many, according to Rick Hathaway, Habitat for Humanity International’s Asia-Pacific vice president.

“With its focus on shelter, Habitat for Humanity is working with partners in Japan to provide volunteers, tools, and financial support to get families out of evacuation centers and back to their homes, so they can regain some normalcy and piece their lives back together,” Hathaway said. “We need your donations to make sure Habitat can help more families.”

Iwate prefecture, about 310 miles north of Tokyo, is one of the three areas most affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck the country on March 11. Ofunato had a thriving fishing industry until a tsunami with waves up to 76 feet high wiped everything away. Nearly 300 people were killed and approximately 3,500 homes destroyed.

Habitat for Humanity is working in both Iwate and Miyagi prefectures alongside partners, like All Hands Volunteers, to deliver their response operation and provide volunteers for clean-up and housing repair activities to help affected families to return to their homes.

The earthquake struck 81 miles east of Sendai, Japan, and this, plus the subsequent tsunami, wrought massive destruction along the Pacific coastline of Japan’s northern islands. The extent of the disaster is still unfolding as radiation caused by explosions from nuclear plants damaged by the earthquake and tsunami continues to hamper relief efforts in the region.

Iwate prefecture is north of the badly damaged Fukushima nuclear power plants and the surrounding area that has been evacuated.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than two million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit Habitat.org.

Habitat for Humanity Japan
Habitat for Humanity Japan is the Japanese chapter of Habitat for Humanity International. Each year, HFH Japan raises money and sends hundreds of volunteers overseas to help build and repair homes for low-income families. This is the first time that Habitat for Humanity Japan volunteers have given their support for clean-up activity and repair houses in their home country.

About All Hands Volunteers
All Hands Volunteers is a US-based non-profit organization that supports volunteers with housing, meals, tools and organized work to provide hands-on assistance to survivors of natural disasters around the world. All Hands has developed close working relationships with Japanese government entities and is currently operating tsunami clean-up and recovery programs in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, Japan.

www.hands.org

Habitat for Humanity to host AmeriCorps members for weeklong blitz builds -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2011-04-18T16:05:29Z

Habitat for Humanity to host AmeriCorps members for weeklong blitz builds

ATLANTA, Ga. (April 15, 2011) – Habitat for Humanity will engage more than 440 AmeriCorps National and VISTA members during the month of May as part of Habitat for Humanity International’s annual AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon. This year the Build-a-Thon consists of seven regional events scheduled during or around National AmeriCorps Week (May 14-21) and is designed to highlight local community needs for affordable housing and the members’ service with Habitat.

This year’s Build-a-Thon event sites include: Franklin, W.Va.; Bay St. Louis, Miss.; Birmingham, Ala.; Seattle and King County, Wash.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Wilmington, Del.; and Pensacola, Fla.

The Build-a-Thon will focus on Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, a national Habitat for Humanity program that encourages Habitat affiliates to address the quality of life issues in neighborhoods through local community-planning partnerships and by expanding housing services available. Work at the Build-a-Thon locations may include new house construction, rehabilitation of vacant properties (including foreclosed properties), house repairs for existing low-income homeowners and weatherization to make houses more energy-efficient and affordable.

“Habitat’s Build-a-Thon provides an opportunity for our nearly 440 AmeriCorps National and VISTA members to come together to share ideas and meet others committed to service and to eliminating poverty housing,” said Larry Gluth, Habitat for Humanity International’s senior vice president of U.S and Canada. “Our AmeriCorps members consistently play a pivotal role in the operations of more than 140 Habitat locations across the country, and their collective efforts have helped thousands of families obtain the dream of homeownership this year alone. We are truly grateful for their service.”

Habitat has partnered with the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that funds and oversees AmeriCorps programs, since 1994. Since then, more than 5,000 AmeriCorps members have served with Habitat for Humanity around the country, building homes, serving communities and gaining valuable perspective about the challenges that face our country and how to meet those needs.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.

About the Corporation for National and Community Service
The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America and the Social Innovation Fund, and leads President Obama’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

About Habitat for Humanity National Service Programs
Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps members have performed more than 5 million hours of service, engaged hundreds of thousands of volunteers and helped build more than 12,500 Habitat houses throughout the United States. For information about AmeriCorps programs, visit www.habitat.org/americorps or www.americorps.gov.

Share what you see: Habitat’s flagship publication opens photo contest with chance to help build in Haiti -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2011-03-08T20:07:10Z

Share what you see: Habitat’s flagship publication opens photo contest with chance to help build in Haiti

ATLANTA (March 07, 2011)-Habitat for Humanity’s quarterly flagship magazine, Habitat World, has kicked off its annual photo contest, which each year shines a spotlight on the importance and vitality of Habitat’s work around the world.

The magazine is seeking photographers to submit photos that demonstrate the deep need for housing solutions and illustrate Habitat’s life-changing work.

“We’re asking individuals to show us what Habitat means to them through photos,” said Shala Carlson, Habitat World’s managing editor. “We’re looking for that one photo, that one moment that really communicates how Habitat has helped an individual, a neighborhood, a community.”

The contest winner will have the opportunity to volunteer in Haiti this fall as part a Habitat Global Village trip, with Habitat World funding the winner’s air transportation, trip fees and modest daily accommodations and meals.

Additionally, photos and statements from the contest winner and top four finalists will be published in the December 2011 issue of Habitat World, which has a readership of one million, and on Habitat.org.

A team of Habitat World judges will select the winners and finalists. Contest criteria include a photo’s ability to capture Habitat’s mission and impact, as well as its technical composition and quality.

Neil Reid, last year’s Habitat World photo contest winner, was awarded a Global Village trip to Nepal. Reid said he will always remember the Everest Build and his experience working with Habitat for Humanity.

“The build process, the graciousness of the Nepalese people, amazing teammates, the scenery, but more importantly the fact that we helped a family find their feet and helped to secure the future of four amazing children” Reid said. “I have previously been quoted as saying that everyone should take part in a Habitat trip and that, through this, you will receive back tenfold what you put in. I can confirm that tenfold will only scratch the surface.”

The contest winner must already have a current passport and will be responsible for obtaining requisite immunizations and a travel visa, if necessary. The winner will be expected to work five full days at the work site during the Haiti trip. Contest entrants must be at least 18 years of age (or the age of majority in his or her jurisdiction of primary residence) as of the date of entering the contest.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.

Subaru’s ‘Share the Love’ again donates $1 million to Habitat for Humanity -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2011-02-21T16:47:52Z

Subaru’s ‘Share the Love’ again donates $1 million to Habitat for Humanity

Automaker donates more than $3 million to Habitat since 2008 to help build affordable housing
ATLANTA (Feb. 17, 2011) – For the third year in a row, the generosity of Subaru buyers added up to more than $1 million in donations to Humanity for Humanity International from Subaru of America, Inc.’s Share the Love event.

“We are honored that Subaru has selected Habitat for Humanity to participate in its Share the Love event for three years. With the donations from this event, Subaru has helped Habitat to revitalize neighborhoods throughout the United States, respond to the critical shelter needs of people affected by earthquakes and to provide safe, decent shelter to those in need around the world,” said Mark Crozet, HFHI’s senior vice president of Resource Development. “We applaud Subaru for investing in the communities where it works and allowing its customers an opportunity to join in donating to organizations that truly make a positive difference.”

Subaru donated $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased (up to a maximum of $5 million) from Nov. 20, 2010 – Jan. 3, 2011. Customers who purchased or leased a Subaru during this time determined how the charitable gifts would be invested by designating the $250 to one of five nonprofit organizations.

“We are proud to have once again maximized our budget for the event,” said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and CMO, Subaru of America Inc. “We are excited to continue a program that engages our customers in giving back to the community.”

The Share the Love event has generated nearly $15 million in donations over three years for a variety of nonprofits that focus on animal cruelty, youth mentoring, environmental protection and affordable homes. This year’s participating nonprofits included Habitat for Humanity, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Meals on Wheels Association of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Ocean Conservancy.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of approximately 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru boasts the most fuel efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants, and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information, visit subaru.com.

Darden Restaurants, INC. Makes $500,000 Gift-In-Kind Donation to Habitat For Humanity Restore Resale Outlets -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2011-02-08T21:24:57Z

Darden Restaurants, INC. Makes $500,000 Gift-In-Kind Donation to Habitat For Humanity Restore Resale Outlets

Contribution Continues Darden’s Ongoing Commitment to Giving Back to Local Communities

Orlando, Fla. (Feb. 2, 2011) – Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) today announced the company has made a $500,000 gift-in-kind donation to Habitat for Humanity International by contributing furnishings from 85 of the company’s recently remodeled restaurant locations across the country. These furnishings will be sold at local Habitat for Humanity ReStore resale outlets.

More than 300 of the company’s Red Lobster, Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants are slated to be remodeled over the next three years, and Darden plans to continue donations during this time, providing Habitat ReStore resale outlets across the country with furnishings for resale. Habitat ReStore resale outlets sell donated goods to the general public to help local Habitat affiliates fund the construction of homes within their communities. Darden’s contribution is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to giving back to local communities where its restaurants operate.

“Darden strives to have an enduring and positive influence on the communities we serve,” said Drew Madsen, president and chief operating officer for Darden. “In keeping with that focus, as well as our commitment to sustainability, we’re pleased to partner with Habitat for Humanity to repurpose these furnishings in a way that will benefit others.”

“In addition to helping fund affordable housing, Habitat Restore resale outlets provide communities a cost-efficient opportunity to recycle useful construction materials and household items,” said Larry Gluth, senior vice president of U.S. and Canada for Habitat for Humanity International. “We are grateful to Darden Restaurants for supporting the work of local Habitat affiliates by donating furnishings.”

Donated items from Red Lobster, Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants have included art work and other décor, dining tables and chairs, booth seating, host/hostess stands and more.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.

About Darden
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: DRI), the world’s largest full-service restaurant company, owns and operates 1,800 restaurants that generate more than $7 billion in annual sales. Headquartered in Orlando, and employing approximately 180,000 people, Darden is recognized for a culture that rewards caring for and responding to people. Our restaurant brands – Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52 – reflect the rich diversity of those who dine with us. Our brands are built on deep insights into what our guests want. For more information, please visit www.darden.com.

AmeriCorps members and Habitat for Humanity mark 25th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day with community service -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2011-01-17T13:05:33Z

AmeriCorps members and Habitat for Humanity mark 25th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day with community service

ATLANTA (Jan. 17, 2011) – More than 470 Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps members and 160 Habitat affiliates will honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy today by participating in various activities to help improve local communities.

“Dr. King was one of history’s greatest champions of justice. He taught us that everyone has a role to play in making the world a better place,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “By serving today and throughout the year, we honor Dr. King and help realize his dream of equality and opportunity for all.”

As part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps members traditionally join hundreds of thousands of Americans across the country in making the holiday a day on, not a day off, by serving others.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and organizers see the milestone as an opportunity for Americans to remember Dr. King’s life and legacy and to honor him by taking action to solve problems in their communities. The King Day of Service encourages involvement in projects that connect participants to ongoing service throughout the year.

The following is a sample of activities that Habitat AmeriCorps members will participate in across the country to honor Dr. King:

Sea Island, Ga. – Habitat is hosting a large-scale MLK Day Build and plans to invite all South Carolina AmeriCorps State and VISTA members. Habitat members from East Cooper and Central South Carolina are participating in the build.
Hale County, Ala. – Habitat AmeriCorps members are leading a build with students from the University of Alabama.
Santa Fe, N.M. – Habitat AmeriCorps members and Habitat staff are working at a local homeless shelter for the 2nd year.
Des Moines, Iowa – Habitat AmeriCorps members are building sheds for 25 homeowners. Afterward, they will reflect on Dr. King and his legacy.
Spokane, Wash. – Members will hear a rendition of Rev. Dr. King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech by Rev. Percy “Happy” Watkins followed by Spokane’s Unity March. After the march, Habitat will host a table at a Community Resource Fair that includes displays by area nonprofits and service organizations.
Burlington County, N.J. – Habitat AmeriCorps members are partnering with Cedar Park Presbyterian Church to help repair the community social hall, which is used by community organizations.
Philadelphia, Pa. - Habitat AmeriCorps members are participating in the 16th annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service by leading other volunteers in construction activities.
New York City– Habitat AmeriCorps members will help repair a NYCHA community center in Brooklyn as well as attend a formal program.

During last year’s MLK Day of Service, hundreds of thousands of Americans joined together to volunteer across the country. More than 10,000 service projects took place in all 50 states, addressing a multitude of social issues from poverty and hunger to homelessness and Haitian relief efforts.

For a full list of volunteer opportunities for the 2011 MLK Day of Service, visit Serve.gov/mlkday.

About Habitat for Humanity National Service Programs
Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps members have performed more than 5 million hours of service, engaged hundreds of thousands of volunteers and helped build more than 8,500 Habitat houses throughout the United States. For information about AmeriCorps programs, visit www.habitat.org/americorps or www.americorps.gov.

About the Corporation for National and Community Service
The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Each year, the Corporation engages 4 million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America programs. For more information, visit http://www.nationalservice.gov

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.

Five African-American Baptist conventions increase donation to Habitat for Humanity to $1 million to help with Haiti earthquake relief -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2011-01-14T15:31:53Z

Five African-American Baptist conventions increase donation to Habitat for Humanity to $1 million to help with Haiti earthquake relief

ATLANTA (Jan. 12, 2011) – Habitat for Humanity International has received its second grant of $500,000 from the African-American Baptist Mission Collaboration to support the homebuilding ministry’s recovery program in Haiti. The donation follows a previous gift given to the organization in 2010, bringing the AABMC’s total contribution to Habitat to $1 million.

“With the generosity and commitment of our supporters, Habitat for Humanity is able to help Haitians affected by the earthquake with pathways to housing,” said Mark Andrews, vice president, Habitat for Humanity International. “We are truly grateful to the African-American Baptist Mission Collaboration and its fellowship of churches for this additional gift.”

Immediately following the earthquake in Haiti last year, Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention, National Baptist Convention, USA, National Baptist Convention of America, National Missionary Baptist Convention of America and the Progressive National Baptist Convention formed the collaboration to leverage the impact their members could have in the region. The collaboration granted Habitat $500,000 in June 2010, making it the largest faith-based donation Habitat had received for Haiti relief.

“Our commitment to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti continues with this contribution,” said Dr. David Goatley, AABMC coordinator and executive secretary-treasurer Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention. “The African-American Baptist Collaboration is determined to raise our target of $50 million over a five-year period to help rebuild the lives of those hit by the devastating earthquake. We are just getting started in earnest with our assistance, and this partnership with Habitat for Humanity is one part of a variety of investments our network is making in support to churches, clinics, schools, and families.”

Working with the AABMC, the branches and units of the NAACP contributed $50,000 to the second $500,000 grant. The current gift will be used in Léogâne to fund more than 80 housing solutions, which includes materials, construction, site preparation, water, sanitation, training, community engagement and access to basic infrastructure such as roads, schools and churches. The initial funding supported the construction of transitional shelters to help meet basic needs of more than 1,600 Haitians in Cabaret.

One year since the earthquake, Habitat has constructed transitional and permanent shelters, conducted housing damage assessments, provided emergency shelter kits, trained Haitians in construction techniques and held classes on how to stop the spread of cholera. Habitat has committed to helping 50,000 families in Haiti by 2015.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.

About African-American Baptist Mission Collaboration
The African-American Baptist Mission Collaboration represents more than 10 million Christians in the United States, most of whom are of African-American heritage. For more information on AABMC, contact Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley regarding the group effort at (202) 543-3200 or thecollaboration@aol.com.

Habitat for Humanity leverages Haitian Diaspora to bring urgently needed expertise to the government of Haiti -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2011-01-14T15:31:34Z

Habitat for Humanity leverages Haitian Diaspora to bring urgently needed expertise to the government of Haiti

USAID/OFDA-funded ECAP project helps build capacity in shelter and settlement response.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 11, 2011) The earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010, damaged or destroyed more than 190,000 homes and left an estimated 1.5 million Haitians without shelter.

In consultation with the Haitian government, Habitat for Humanity and NGO partners Development Innovations Group (DIG) and Build Change are recruiting and placing experts from the Haitian Diaspora to provide community-focused, technical support to help the Haitian government make critical decisions related to shelter and settlement. This Emergency Community Assistance and Planning program (ECAP) will run through February 2011 and is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development through its Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance.

Under ECAP, 13 experts (Resident Advisors) have been placed in Haitian government institutions, including the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission (IHRC); the Ministry of Public Works, Transportation, and Communication; the Ministry of Interior, Territorial Collectivities and National Security; and the National Laboratory for Building and Public Works. Resident Advisors consult with and provide expertise to government officials, supporting them to make decisions related to reconstruction and resettlement planning, including debris removal, hazard risk mapping, logistics and transportation, cultural conservation/preservation, agency work and progress coordination.

“ECAP helps to fill critical gaps by providing skills and expertise that are desperately needed within the government at this time,” said Mark Andrews, vice president, Haiti Recovery, Habitat for Humanity International. “Haitian Diaspora was a natural place to identify and recruit individuals who not only have the skill-set but also a vested interest in rebuilding Haiti.”

To date, Resident Advisors have mapped current debris sites, created hazard risk guidelines for reconstruction, developed a strategy for debris management, designed a model training curriculum to assist local municipalities and delivered training to Haitian civil engineers in municipal engineering. Resident Advisors also mentored Haitian junior professionals within the government.

“The project is very relevant and beneficial to Haitian public institutions, said Rose-May Guignard of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Territorial Planning, part of the Ministry of Interior, in the Prime Minister’s office. “It is enabling us to have access to the expertise of people from Haitian communities outside of Haiti, who in turn are given an opportunity to serve their native country and put their skills toward the reconstruction efforts in Haiti.”

About Habitat for Humanity Haiti
Habitat for Humanity has been at work in Haiti for 27 years and has provided housing solutions through a variety of initiatives including new home construction, progressive building, home repairs and improvements. Habitat also builds capacity in construction skills, disaster risk reduction and financial literacy, and works in coordination with community and government agencies. For more information, visit www.Habitat.org/haiti.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.

Design research firm awards Habitat with top 10 intranet/extranet site honor -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l

2011-01-14T15:31:15Z

Design research firm awards Habitat with top 10 intranet/extranet site honor

ATLANTA (Jan. 6, 2011) – Habitat for Humanity International’s intranet/extranet site has been recognized as one of the world's top 10 sites by research design firm Nielsen Norman Group. The site provides a single location where users can access and share knowledge, resources and tools needed to help eliminate poverty housing.

“We are honored to receive this award,” said Drew Hancock, senior webmaster, Habitat for Humanity International. “With a large network of Habitat local offices, it is essential to have a central location where the most up-to-date information can be easily accessed. Our intranet/extranet site meets this goal and also provides a way for our local offices to share best practices with each other.”

Aided by AW Systems, an Internet technology consultancy, Habitat’s intranet/extranet site was implemented in 2009 and has more than 25,000 registered users, including staff at Habitat for Humanity International and at more than 2,000 Habitat affiliated organizations around the world. The site contains a wealth of information on a variety of topics from operations, construction, family services and community development to volunteer engagement, fundraising, advocacy and disaster response. Users can browse subjects by topic or content type and can customize their view by regional and language preference.

“By reorganizing site content, breaking down site barriers, and offering useful tools for sharing information, the Habitat for Humanity International team created an authoritative resource to support the needs of all of its 25,000 registered users scattered all over the world,” said Jakob Nielsen, principal of Nielsen Norman Group.

This is the 11th year that Nielsen Norman Group has held the design competition. Habitat is the only nonprofit organization to receive the award in 2011. Other recipients include AMP Limited (Australia), Bennett Jones LLP (Canada), Bouygues Telecom (France), Credit Suisse AG (Switzerland), Duke Energy, Heineken International (The Netherlands), KT (Republic of Korea), Mota-Engil Engenharia e Construção, S.A. (Portugal) and Verizon Communications.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.

About Nielsen Norman Group
Nielsen Norman Group (http://www.nngroup.com) is a user-experience research firm that advises companies on how to succeed through human-centered design of products and services. NN/g principals Jakob Nielsen, Don Norman and Bruce "Tog" Tognazzini are world-renowned user-experience pioneers who advocated human-centered design and usability long before it became popular to do so. Besides authoring books and evangelizing at NN/g events about user experience, they and others on the NN/g team offer high-level strategic consultation on the usability of websites, consumer products, software designs and anything else that needs to be easy to use.