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400,000 homes built or repaired since 1976 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jack Wilson Habitat for Humanity of Smith County 903-595-6630
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Habitat for Humanity International reaches milestone: 400,000 homes built or repaired since 1976
More than 2 million people around the world served through better housing
Tyler, TX, (Dec. 13, 2010) -Habitat for Humanity International surpassed its 400,000 house milestone during its most recent fiscal year. Since the nonprofit organization was founded in 1976, its self-help, hand-up model has resulted in rehabbed, repaired or new housing for more than 2 million people worldwide.
Habitat for Humanity of Smith County is part of this global effort. Since 1989, Smith County Habitat has built 90 houses and rehabbed or repaired 70 houses through its ReHabitat program.
"Habitat for Humanity of Smith County is continuing its efforts to help families in need of decent, affordable housing. We are happy to have helped Habitat for Humanity reach this important milestone in bettering communities across the country," said Jack Wilson, Chief Operating Officer. "With continued support of our sponsors and volunteers, we'll address affordable housing needs in Smith County."
In 2010, Habitat for Humanity of Smith County built 4 new houses in the Walton and DePriest neighborhood in Tyler. Four additional houses are scheduled to be built in 2011. These houses will make up Habitat Heights, a new subdivision on Glenwood Blvd and Connally Street. The first house, sponsored by the Junior League of Tyler, is scheduled to begin construction in January. This will be Habitat's Women's Build. The Women Build program encourages women to have fun and make a difference building homes and communities. It also provides opportunities for women to learn new skills on Habitat job sites.
In addition to building 4 houses in 2011, the Smith County Habitat anticipates rehabbing or repairing 70-100 houses through their ReHabitat program.
In fiscal year 2010, Habitat for Humanity International served a record 74,960 families worldwide through a combination of new construction, rehabilitation and repairs. Habitat also helped an additional 6,355 families establish legal rights to a house or land, and provided more than 46,964 individuals with technical assistance ranging from legal help to construction advice or training.
"We are pleased that even in this difficult economy, Habitat for Humanity has been able to help a record number of families around the world have a better place to live," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "Our affiliates are the backbone of Habitat's efforts. Their hard work and dedication have made this milestone possible. We are grateful for the work of Habitat for Humanity of Smith County."
Habitat for Humanity International celebrated its 300,000th home in 2008, its 200,000th home in 2005 and the 100,000th home in 2000.
By 2013, Habitat for Humanity International hopes to assist 100,000 families worldwide annually with new or improved housing.
A copy of Habitat for Humanity International's fiscal year 2010 annual report, "What We Build," is now available online at http://www.habitat.org/support/report/default.aspx. The report gives a snapshot of Habitat's work around the world.
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 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. |
