Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program supports “Ten for Joplin” blitz build with house sponsorship, women volunteers

Joplin, Missouri, effort aims to get ten low-income families into Habitat houses by Thanksgiving

ATLANTA (Sept. 29, 2011) – Habitat for Humanity International’s Women Build program is donating 100,000 and providing 30 women volunteers to construct a Women Build house during “Ten for Joplin,” a 10-house blitz build in Joplin, Missouri this fall. An effort of Tulsa Habitat for Humanity and Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity, “Ten for Joplin” aims to build, by Thanksgiving, 10 Habitat houses in partnership with 10 low-income families affected by the May 22 EF-5 tornado that damaged or destroyed nearly 7,500 houses. Some 43 percent of these houses were uninsured. The build will take place from Oct. 29 - Nov. 13, in a neighborhood of Joplin that was in the tornado’s path.

Underwritten by Lowe’s, Habitat for Humanity International’s Women Build program recruits, educates and inspires women to build and advocate for simple, decent and affordable houses in their communities. More than 1,900 Habitat houses have been built by all-women construction crews since 1998.

“Women Build brings together women from all walks of life to create affordable housing in partnership with low-income families,” said Lisa Marie Nickerson, associate director of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program. “Knowing the need in Joplin is so great and will require support from thousands of volunteers and donors, we are honored to sponsor a house on behalf of all of the women who support Habitat’s mission around the world.”

In addition to Women Build, “Ten for Joplin” sponsors include the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, Arvest Bank, BKD CPAs & Advisors, Chase, Hilti, Samson, and TD Williamson, Inc. Advanced Industrial Devices, Inc. and Unit Corporation also signed up to sponsor half a house each. Gift in-kind donations have been provided by Cor-A-Vent, Hilti, and Thermal Windows, Inc. United Way contributed tornado relief funds to help with the purchase of the ten lots. Funding of 800,000 and gift-in-kind support is needed for the 10-house blitz build. To date, “Ten for Joplin” has secured 605,000 toward this goal.

To donate or volunteer, visit the “Ten for Joplin” website at tenforjoplin.org. For information on volunteering with Women Build, please visit habitat.org/cd/local/event.aspx.

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 two million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit Habitat.org.

About Ten for Joplin
In a blitz build from Oct. 29 to Nov. 13, the Tulsa and Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity teams have joined forces with the City of Joplin to construct 10 homes for low-income families impacted by the devastating May 22 tornado. The Ten for Joplin project provides an opportunity for Tulsans and others in surrounding communities to contribute their time and money to help their neighbors in need. More information is available at tenforjoplin.org.

About Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity
The Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1989, and as of today we have constructed 33 homes with more on the way. The Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, nondenominational Christian housing organization. It is the vision of our organization to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the Jasper County Area, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Scott Clayton serves as Executive Director. More information is available at joplinhabitat.org.

About Tulsa Habitat for Humanity
Tulsa Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical, non-profit Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing while building decent, affordable housing in partnership with those in need in Tulsa County. Tulsa HFH and its families and house sponsors have built homes with over 230 families. Over 125 faith-based groups, companies, foundations and individuals have financially sponsored and helped build these homes. THFH has launch a 48-month campaign to help another 100 families build and buy their homes by 2013. Dr. Paul Kent serves as executive director. More information is available at habitat-tulsa.org.