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GIVING
Hundreds of Homes Built in 2006; More Planned for 2007
In 2006, more than 300 families in 43 states achieved the dream of home ownership, thanks to the home-building efforts of thousands of volunteers and financial support through Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. And, these numbers will be even higher in 2007.
Thrivent Financial became Habitat for
Humanity International’s largest ally as a
result of a four-year, $105 million commitment to help increase the not-for-profit housing ministry’s home-building production. In addition, Thrivent Financial rallied its national network of nearly 3 million members to volunteer, working in partnership with more families to help them achieve financial independence.
“It warms my heart to know Thrivent Builds with Habitat is helping families get out of substandard housing,” says Bruce Nicholson, Thrivent Financial chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Thrivent Builds has struck a chord with our members like nothing before.”
Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity also sends volunteers around the world to build Habitat homes. In 2006, Thrivent Financial members went on 38 trips to build homes on the Gulf Coast, in Alaska and in 14 countries around the world. More than $500,000 was distributed through the program to support team members and host affiliates. More than 50 trips already are planned for 2007.
To help raise awareness about substandard housing issues, the one-of-a-kind Thrivent Builds Mobile visited 114 events in 20 states, giving more than 30,000 visitors an experience of what substandard housing looks and feels like. The “exhibit on wheels” is designed to educate and call communities to action to support decent, affordable housing. Visits for 2007 already are slated in 17 states, including a stop in Washington, D.C.
For more information, visit www.thriventbuilds.com.
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