Habitat for Humanity affiliates and volunteers honored for their service and innovation in 2010

ATLANTA (March 23, 2011) – Habitat for Humanity International is honoring five U.S. Habitat affiliates and four volunteers today with the organization’s “Pioneers in Excellence” awards. Award winners are recognized for their service and innovation in helping to create simple, decent and affordable housing opportunities in partnership with low-income families.

“We are grateful for the award recipients’ outstanding commitment and resolve to serve more families in need of affordable housing,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “The dedicated work and innovation of affiliates and volunteers enabled us to mark an important milestone in 2010, when we surpassed 400,000 families served worldwide. The ‘Pioneers in Excellence’ awards allow us to recognize extraordinary efforts and to thank some of those who carry out our mission with distinction.”

Affiliate of the Year Awards
The following Habitat affiliates are recognized in one of three population categories based on the number of families served locally and internationally through tithe contributions.

  • Habitat for Humanity of Collier County (Fla.) is the Affiliate of the Year for its service in a community with a population greater than 250,000. Habitat for Humanity of Collier County has served families for nearly 33 years and has built more than 1,300 homes to date.
  • Indian River Habitat for Humanity (Fla.) is the Affiliate of the Year for its service to communities of 50,000 to 250,000 people. Indian River Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1991 and has built more than 235 homes that span Indian River county.
  • Habitat for Humanity Bay-Waveland Area (Miss.) is recognized as the Affiliate of the Year for its service to a population of less than 50,000. Habitat for Humanity Bay-Waveland Area began operations after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in 2005. In January 2008, it became an independent Habitat affiliate. To date, Bay-Waveland Area Habitat volunteers have helped build more than 155 homes in Hancock county.

Clarence E. Jordan Awards
Two Clarence E. Jordan Award recipients are recognized for creativity and innovation in their affiliate operations. The award honors the legacy of Clarence Jordan, the founder of Koinonia Farm, a religious community in southwest Georgia, where the idea for Habitat for Humanity was born. Award recipients are selected by affiliate voting.

  • Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County (Colo.) won the award for its Habitat ReStore resale outlet’s volunteer administration and recruitment. Habitat ReStore resale outlets sell reusable and surplus building materials to the public. ReStores focus on home improvement goods like furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances.
  • Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity (Vt.) won for its passive house project. The 1,300-square-foot house will meet the strict standards for energy efficiency set by the Passive Housing Institute.

The Clive Rainey Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals for their exceptional and sustained accomplishments to advance the mission of Habitat for Humanity.

  • Mal Murray, Our Towns of North Mecklenburg-South Iredell Habitat for Humanity (N.C.)
  • Gene Stelten, Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia (Ga.)
  • Joan Jaynes, Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona (Ariz.)
  • Dan Pearson, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County (N.C.)

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 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.