Three Madison AmeriCorps Members to join Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon

June 08, 2010

[MADISON, WI (June 8, 2010)] – Three Madison AmeriCorps members working with Habitat for Humanity of Dane County will join more than 500 Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps National Direct and VISTA members in Cedar Rapids, Iowa the second week in June to kickoff the annual Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon. 

During the week of June 11-18, Janet Chen, Deborah Kavalar and Kristy Rogers will help build simple, decent and affordable housing in a region that was flooded in 2008.  They will be part of the annual Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon where more than 20 homes will be built, rehabilitated or repaired. Homes will be repaired through Habitat for Humanity’s A Brush with Kindness program.

Nearly 4,000 homes were damaged by fast-rising water during the devastating floods of June 2008, the worst natural and economic disaster in Iowa’s history. While 90 counties were declared federal disaster areas, Cedar Rapids was the most significantly-affected area.
 
“The 2010 Build-a-Thon celebrates the impact Habitat AmeriCorps members have in local communities throughout the U.S., but also highlights the continued need for affordable housing in the Cedar Rapids area. This year, 2010 Build-a-Thon participants and Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity are building new homes, as well as rehabbing and repairing existing homes,” said Larry Gluth, senior vice president, U.S. & Canada for Habitat for Humanity International. “AmeriCorps members are on the front lines of Habitat’s work daily and devote themselves to our mission and the families being served in their communities. It is always exciting to witness what they can accomplish together in a week and we are very grateful for their commitment and service.”
 
Each year the AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon helps to raise awareness around affordable housing, highlight the partnership of the Corporation for National and Community Service and Habitat for Humanity International, and increase the capacity of a community to meet its local needs.
 
Habitat for Humanity of Dane County provides simple, decent, affordable housing for families who might not otherwise become homeowners. Eligible families pay monthly mortgage payments on a 0% interest loan, and contribute from 300 to 350 hours of sweat equity in the building of their homes. For more information on Habitat for Humanity of Dane County and homeownership opportunities, call 255-1549 or visit www.habitatdane.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 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.75 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.
 
About Habitat for Humanity National Service Programs
Since partnering with the Corporation for National and Community Service in 1994, more than 5,000 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 10,000 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 ServiceThe 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 four million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America programs.  

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