Habitat for Humanity honored by Catholic Charities USA for housing work in the United States

ATLANTA (Aug. 25, 2012)– Habitat for Humanity was honored by Catholic Charities USA with a Centennial Medal for its work to build and repair affordable housing across the United States.

“As a Christian organization dedicated to helping low-income families find a decent place to call home, the support we receive from the faith community makes Habitat’s mission possible,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO for Habitat for Humanity International. “We thank Catholic Charities for this honor and look forward to working together to build homes and hope with families around the world.”

Created to mark Catholic Charities’ 100th anniversary in 2010, the Centennial Medal recognizes contributions of individuals and organizations to the reduction of poverty in the U.S.

“A home is at the heart of so much of our work to help individuals and families struggling with poverty,” said Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA. “Habitat for Humanity is the long-respected leader in making affordable housing available for all, and we salute them for their incredible work and commitment nationwide.”

To commemorate the occasion, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity partnered with church congregations and dozens of volunteers throughout the greater Atlanta area for a special building day in Atlanta’s Perkerson neighborhood.

“Atlanta Habitat is honored to host the presentation of Catholic Charities USA’s Centennial Medal to Habitat for Humanity International at the build site of the Green family’s new home,” said Larrie Del Martin, president and CEO of Atlanta Habitat. “This Atlanta Habitat house, our 27th this year, is yet another example of dedicated sponsors, donors and volunteers working for and with a qualified family. Our hardiest congratulations to all!”

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 500,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat’s blog community at www.habitat.org/blog.

About Atlanta Habitat for Humanity
Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, one of more than 1,500 U.S. affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing to working families. Since 1983, volunteers from corporations and from faith-based and civic organizations have worked in partnership with qualified homebuyers to construct affordable, green, quality homes, which are then purchased through no-interest mortgages. To date, Atlanta Habitat has built more than 1,200 homes in the city of Atlanta and the metropolitan area. For more information, please visit www.atlantahabitat.org or call 404-223-5180.

About Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities USA’s members provide help and create hope for more than 10 million people a year regardless of religious, social or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing.