LOUISVILLE, Ky.--On July 14, volunteers and affordable housing advocates will join representatives of area businesses and local government to honor the twentieth anniversary of Habitat for Humanity of Metro Louisville. Workers will begin the day framing Habitat's newest house at 617 S. 22nd Street. At 11 am, a press conference will be held there, with Metro Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Diane Kirkpatrick, and executives from lead sponsor Weyerhaeuser Company and major donors Greater Louisville Association of Realtors (GLAR), Texas Roadhouse, Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (FHLBank Cincinnati) and Republic Bank and Trust Company.
It will also signal a critical step toward independence for Charlene Dunlap, Habitat's 212th partner family in the Louisville area. "It will be my own little corner of the world, somewhere I can close the door behind me and it's just me-me and my little family," Dunlap said.
"Habitat for Humanity believes that a home is the place where families dream, thrive and grow," said Diane Kirkpatrick, Habitat for Humanity executive director. "Now we're celebrating our 20th anniversary! Our new goal is to build our 300th Habitat house in Louisville by 2009."
Under supervision of Habitat's skilled staff, 30-plus volunteers will put in a full day July 14 and continue working through the week/files/storyimages/to frame the house on its prepared foundation. By Saturday, work crews should have the house fully framed and the roof in place. Twelve weeks later, the 1,100-square-foot house will be ready for occupancy.
The local Weyerhaeuser containerboard packaging plant's support of the Louisville anniversary house is part of its national commitment to help build Habitat homes to mark 25 years since Weyerhaeuser forests in southwest Washington were leveled by the eruption of Mount St. Helens. The company, which is headquartered in Federal Way, WA, has pledged a total of $1 million in grants and Weyerhaeuser lumber to Habitat affiliates in 18 states and three Canadian provinces.
"The years since the eruption have been a time of growth and renewal for our forests at Mount St. Helens," said Larry Ogle, special projects manager for the plant. "Now it is time to share the fruits of our labor-lumber harvested from our working forest at Mount St. Helens-with people in need."
Three major donors have also partnered with Habitat for this 20-year celebration. GLAR President Kathy McGann explained, "The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors® has proudly been involved with Habitat for Humanity for over 10 years. As Realtors®, Habitat for Humanity and its purpose is very close to our hearts. We both strive to help fulfill the American dream of becoming a homeowner. GLAR applauds Habitat for Humanity, and all their efforts to make a difference in our community, one family at a time."
Texas Roadhouse President and CEO, GJ Hart noted, "It's amazing when you stop and think about the lives that Habitat for Humanity of Metro Louisville has touched in the past 20 years. It is a true honor and privilege for Texas Roadhouse to be involved with such a wonderful organization, and we look forward to a continued partnership in the years ahead."
The FHLBank Cincinnati has contributed $20 million to help build 2,748 Habitat houses through its Affordable Housing Program (AHP), established in 1990. "We are proud to have partnered with several of our local banking members in support of Metro Louisville's milestone anniversary, having contributed $1.3 million in AHP grants to help fund 197 homes, including a $7,000 grant to Republic Bank and Trust for today's special build," said David H. Hehman, president, FHLBank Cincinnati.
Habitat for Humanity operates in 90 countries, including over 1,600 affiliates in the U.S. To qualify for Habitat partner family status, families must: currently live in overcrowded or sub-standard conditions; work 400 "sweat equity" hours on the construction of Habitat homes; have a steady and stable income with a manageable debt load; sign a zero-interest, 20-year mortgage loan; and att/files/storyimages/financial planning and homeowner skills workshops.
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Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY), one of the world's largest integrated forest products companies, was incorporated in 1900. In 2004, sales were $22.7 billion. It has offices or operations in 19 countries, with customers worldwide. Weyerhaeuser is principally engaged in the growing and harvesting of timber; the manufacture, distribution and sale of forest products; and real estate construction development and related activities. Additional information about Weyerhaeuser's businesses, products and practices, is available at ://www.weyerhaeuser.com.
The Greater Louisville Association of REALTORS® (GLAR) represents more than 4,000 members involved in the real estate profession in Louisville and surrounding areas. As a local arm of the country's largest trade association, The National Association of REALTORS®, GLAR promotes the use of a REALTOR®, provides information and statistics to local media, and ensures a positive image in the community through charitable donations and activities. GLAR is also actively involved in government activities and legislation that affect our members and the housing industry.
Texas Roadhouse opened its doors in 1993. In just 12 years, the company has grown to approximately 200 locations in 37 states and has garnered a number of awards, including being named #1 steakhouse in America by Restaurants & Institutions magazine in 2003 and in 2004 Best Steakhouse Value and Menu Variety.
Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati is an $81 billion, triple-A rated regional wholesale bank providing financial services for residential housing and economic development to 750 member financial institutions located in the Fifth FHLBank District of Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. The FHLBank System, which includes 12 district Banks, was chartered in 1932 by the U.S. Congress to promote housing finance but is wholly owned by its 8,100 member institution stockholders and does not use taxpayer dollars.
This weekend, Habitat for Humanity will mark its 20th anniversary by raising the roof on its 212th house, a three-bedroom bungalow in the Russell neighborhood. There are many amazing people involved with Habitat, volunteers, staff and partner families alike. People and businesses like:
Delores Fitch, who is raising three of her 27 grandchildren in her new Habitat home in Portland. She moved in this past October. She's built more than a home for her three grandkids, she's creating a homestead for her extended family. The family has a monthly cookout at the new house now with a different family member hosting each event.
Joy Henry, the construction supervisor for this anniversary house. She started volunteering on the Habitat framing crew when her kids were small, then became an Americorps volunteer. Eventually she left her job as a media buyer to work fulltime for Habitat.
Weyerhaeuser Company, the lead sponsor for our anniversary house. Support from companies such as this one has helped Habitat become the area's 24th largest builder in just 20 years.
Our press release follows this note. If you would like more information, want to see completed homes or need me to hook you up with any of our people, give me a call. I'd be glad to help.
In the meantime, be sure to mark Thursday, July 14, 11 am, on your calendar. There will be a press conference with the mayor at that time.
