Habitat for Humanity honoring veterans: America Serving America
Baltimore (April 18, 2012) — On Thursday, April 19, and Friday, April 20, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day, Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) and Baltimore-based affiliate Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake will be teaming up with approximately 200 of America’s servicemen and women—both veterans and active military. AmeriCorps VISTA and Veteran Corps VISTA members will also be among the groups participating in “America Serving America,” a Habitat build project in Baltimore’s Pen Lucy neighborhood.
Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake CEO Mike Posko; Major Chris Mangclimot, action officer of the office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Peter Rumsey, director of national service, Habitat for Humanity International; and Christopher Ptomey, director of federal relations for HFHI; will address the audience, in addition to representatives of Governor Martin O’Malley and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
Anticipated guests include representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the American Legion, Student Veterans of America, the Naval Information Operations Command, Cyber Transport Journeymen, AmeriCorps members and guests from Fort Meade’s 55th Regiment. A host of other service-related organizations are scheduled to participate in the event.
“With more than 46 million Americans living in poverty, AmeriCorps VISTA members are making a significant difference in communities across the nation—and right here in Maryland,” said Habitat of the Chesapeake CEO Mike Posko. “With passion, commitment and hard work, these remarkable workers create and expand programs designed to bring individuals and communities out of poverty, supporting our Habitat mission.”
“The gratitude that we have for these active members of the military, veterans and Corporation for National and Community Service members cannot be measured. We are honored that they are building homes and improving communities with Habitat for Humanity,” said Liz Blake, senior vice president, Habitat for Humanity International. “And as part of Habitat’s national Veterans Initiative we will continue to work with this country’s service men and women by providing veteran and military families housing solutions and volunteer and employment opportunities.”
The two-day Habitat build will be held in Baltimore’s “Pen Lucy” neighborhood on the 600 block of Dumbarton Avenue.
For information on the build event, contact Leila Kohler-Frueh, 410-366-1250, ext. 128 or [email protected].
To learn more about the AmeriCorps VISTA program, please contact Jeannie Anderson, 410.366.1250 x112 or [email protected].
For press information, please call Sandra Erbe, 443-848-3004 or [email protected].
About Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake
Putting faith into action, Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake brings people together to build decent, affordable homes that change lives, empower families and strengthen communities. Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake serves Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County. Call 410-366-1250 or visit www.habitatchesapeake.org for information. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and check out our YouTube videos.
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.