Habitat for Humanity of Smith County

Habitat for Humanity of Smith County joins worldwide celebration of 300,000th/300,001st house milestone, more than 1.5 billion people helped

[TYLER, Tx]  – Habitat for Humanity organizations throughout the world celebrate as the housing ministry marks a major milestone, Nov. 13 – 14, when construction began on Habitat’s 300,000th house in Naples, Fla., U.S.A., and 300,001st house in Zacapa, Guatemala. Habitat for Humanity of Smith County is among the more than 2,300 Habitat organizations worldwide that have made this milestone possible, having built 80 houses since its founding in 1989.

“This year alone, we have completed ten homes in Smith County, which is three times the number of 2007,” said Jack Wilson, COO, Smith County Habitat for Humanity.

The 300,000th house represents a decade of major growth for Habitat for Humanity, which was founded in 1976. In 2000, Habitat’s 100,000th house was built in New York City and 100,001st house in Plains, Ga. Five years later, Habitat dedicated its 200,000th home in Knoxville, Tenn.; and 200,001st house in Kanyakumari, India.

“Throughout this journey to reach our 300,000th house milestone, so many lives have been changed -- from the families who now live in decent homes to the volunteers whose hard work and compassion have helped build them,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. “We realize we have so much more to do regarding the housing problem worldwide, and we’ll continue building upon the momentum that each of these 300,000 homes has helped generate.”

Only one day after construction begins in Naples with Habitat for Humanity of Collier County – Habitat’s highest producing U.S. affiliate, volunteers will break ground on the 300,001st house in Zacapa, Guatemala. Zacapa is a region which suffers one of the lowest levels of community and social development in Guatemala, and therefore the most in need of adequate housing. Habitat has already built a total of 1,236 houses in the region, reaching some 7,500 people.

Habitat is a worldwide movement that has a presence in nearly 90 countries, including all 50 states in the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. On average, Habitat for Humanity serves a low-income family somewhere around the world every 10 minutes through new house construction, major house rehabilitation projects and with house repairs. In 2007, Habitat served a record 49,000 families in need.

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 300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.5 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.