Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity alliance has built more than 2,000 homes since 2005; 181 additional homes will be funded in U.S. in 2010
Mount Vernon, WA (December 23, 2009) – A nationwide alliance between Habitat for Humanity International and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans continues to build hope for low-income families amidst economic difficulties. Since 2005, it has given more than 2,000 families an opportunity to live in a simple, decent, affordable home. In 2010, this nationwide alliance entitled Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity will contribute more than $13 million to help build another 181 affordable homes in 37 states and the District of Columbia.
Locally, Skagit Habitat for Humanity has been awarded $94,200, or 65 percent of the funds necessary, to build a home in 2010 through this alliance. This home will be built by area volunteers, many of whom will be Lutheran. The Habitat partner family will also invest 500 hours of “sweat equity” helping to build their home. Construction will begin in April and is expected to continue for eight months.
“We are so pleased to be selected to be a Thrivent Build site in 2010. In these challenging economic times, support such as this is a godsend,” said Wayne Wegner, Executive Director of Skagit Habitat. “We are extremely grateful to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for their Thrivent Builds program.”
Building 181 homes across the country is a huge undertaking. Based on actual numbers from the four previous years of the alliance, Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity expects:
- more than 100,000 volunteers and the home-buying partner families to work side-by-side to complete these 181 decent, affordable homes
- a total investment of more than 600,000 volunteer hours on the construction sites
“Area Lutherans are committed to supporting the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans grant to Skagit Habitat with their volunteer labor and donations to help build affordable housing,” said Al Peraino, 2010 Thrivent Builds Specialist.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans supports Habitat home-building in the United States and abroad through its Thrivent Builds Homes and Thrivent Builds Worldwide programs.
To learn more, visit www.thriventbuilds.com
About Skagit Habitat for Humanity
Skagit Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit Christian housing ministry dedicated to building decent, affordable housing in partnership with those in need in Skagit County. Since 1994, Skagit HFH has worked with 20 families to build homes. For more information, visit www.skagithabitat.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 more than 300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.5 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.
About Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a not-for-profit financial services membership organization helping nearly 3 million members thrive in life. Thrivent Financial and its subsidiaries offer a broad range of financial products and services including life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, disability income insurance, bank products and more. As a not-for-profit organization, Thrivent Financial brings its members together for social, educational and volunteer activities that support congregations, schools, charitable organizations and individuals in need. For more information, visit www.thrivent.com.
