(Press Release)

WACO, TX (August 30, 2008) –Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has given new meaning to “corporate generosity” by pledging $125 million to build homes with Habitat for Humanity.

Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity is an unprecedented alliance between Thrivent Financial, a not-for-profit Fortune 500 financial services organization, and Habitat for Humanity International. This year, 322 Thrivent Builds home are scheduled for construction in 46 states
and D.C.

Locally, Waco Habitat for Humanity has been awarded $40,700, or 65 percent of the funds needed to build a house. Area Lutherans pledged to fund another 10% of the cost and to help build the home.

Construction will begin Saturday, September 6, at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers will help Habitat partner Conrad Lahr frame his home throughout the day, pausing at 1:00 p.m. for a brief ceremony.

Construction will continue on Saturdays through December 13, concluding with a dedication ceremony. Conrad will then purchase his home at cost through a zero interest mortgage.

“Thrivent Builds is a great opportunity for Waco Habitat to work with area Lutheran churches and for them to work with each other in a very tangible and impactful way,” said John Alexander, executive director of Waco Habitat. “We appreciate the funding and volunteers and anticipate a meaningful, community-building experience for all who participate.”

Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity brings together two national nonprofit networks of more than 1,600 Habitat affiliates and 1,362 Thrivent volunteer chapters. The need for an effort of this magnitude is great:

► According to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing in 2007, nearly half of low income U.S. households—more than 13 million families—pay more than 50 percent of their income on housing.

► Millions more live in overcrowded conditions or housing with severe physical deficiencies, such as having no hot water, electricity or toilet.

Waco Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry that builds simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with low-income families. Habitat for Humanity uses primarily donated funds and materials, and volunteer labor including that of the future homeowners (partners). Partner families contribute at least 300 hours of sweat equity by building Habitat homes and completing New Homeowners College. They then purchase their home at cost and with no interest added to the loan. Mortgage payments help to fund the construction of additional homes. Since 1986, Waco Habitat has built 111 homes.
For more information, visit www.wacohabitat.org.