Habitat
for Humanity receives $78,000 grant
by
Kathleen Stinson
CAVE
CREEK – Habitat For Humanity Desert Foothills received a
grant last week for $78,000 to pay for the construction
of one of its next houses.
“I
am very excited to be a part of Thrivent Builds with Habitat
for Humanity. I have heard how this partnership has helped
other Habitat affiliates grow and partner with even more
families,” said Jack Gardner, president of HHDF, as stated
in a press release provided by Thrivent Financial. “I am
looking forward to seeing how it can help in our community.”
“We
have just selected four families who will work with us to
build their homes,” said Dan Dooley, board member and chair
of the family selection committee. “The partnership with
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will provide funding for
a house for a single mom and her four‑year‑old
son.”
A
national home‑building alliance between Thrivent Financial
for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International will
provide $24.5 million to build 355 additional homes in 43
states for families in need in 2007.
The
grant requires local affiliates to have a relationship with
area Lutheran churches, said Linda Raish, community development
director of HHDF. The Northeast Maricopa County Thrivent
church volunteers will participate in construction of the
houses.
In
1999, HHDF started a local chapter in response to a need
to find housing for families facing eviction on Christmas
Eve from the Cave Creek Casitas apartments, which were due
to be demolished, Raish said. Local churches found suitable
homes for the families and from there conducted a needs
assessment in the community, which led to the formation
of the local affiliate.
More
than 13 million American households use at least half of
their income to pay for housing, the release states. “Millions
more live in overcrowded conditions or housing with severe
physical deficiencies, such as having no hot water, electricity
or toilet.”
For
more information, contact HHDF at (480) 488‑4693.
Reach
the reporter at kathleen@thedesertadvocate.com.
