Habitat for Humanity dedicates a thousand homes in Mississippi
From press release
Across the state of Mississippi, Habitat for Humanity affiliates have been hammering out homes since 1984. Now, all that hammering and all the homes have added up to a significant milestone the building and dedication of the 1,000th and 1,001st Habitat homes in the state.
"Habitat affiliates throughout the state have accomplished so much in 22 years," said Cindy Griffin, executive director of Habitat for Humanity/ Metro Jackson. "We are honored to be the symbol of their hard work by having the 1,000th home built in Jackson."
The state's 1,000th Habitat home was built in conjunction with long-time Habitat for Humanity/Metro Jackson sponsors Trustmark National Bank and Baptist Health Systems. "Our sponsors and their tireless volunteers have made this house possible," said Griffin. "And to all of the donors and volunteers across the state who have helped Habitat for Humanity reach this milestone, we offer our sincere thanks and gratitude."
The Jackson house was built in just six days and dedicated on Friday, May 26.
As the 1,000th home was dedicated in Jackson, the state's 1,001st home was dedicated in Waveland, Miss. The 1,001st home is a milestone in itself. Not only is it the first Habitat home to be built in the community, it is the first-ever Habitat home built in Hancock County.
In another first, the home was constructed by Habitat for Humanity/Metro Jackson and its volunteers. The Jackson affiliate adopted Hancock County after Hurricane Katrina in an effort to help low-income families rebuild their homes and lives.
"The 1,001st home symbolizes our continued commitment to building in Mississippi, and is part of Habitat's commitment to serving low-income families impacted by hurricane Katrina," said Ken Meinert, senior vice president of Habitat for Humanity International's hurricane recovery program, Operation Home Delivery.
"Habitat has been building in this region for more than 20 years. The 1,001st house is symbolic of our long-term commitment to building simple, decent homes in partnership with families across this state and around the world," Meinert added.
"As we look back over these 1,000 homes, we have much to be proud of," said Griffin. "I know I speak for all of the Habitat affiliates in the state when I say that there are more Mississippi families out there who need the help Habitat provides and many partners, volunteers and others who stand ready to be a part of our progress. We have much to celebrate, but we have much more to build."
About Habitat for Humanity/Metro Jackson Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical group of concerned Christians in the Metro Jackson area that believes everyone deserves a decent place to live. Working in partnership with low-income families and using volunteer labor and donated materials whenever possible, the organization is building basic, affordable houses that are then sold to families at cost with no profit or interest. A Habitat homeowner, with the help of family and friends is required to invest "sweat equity" hours working on their and others' homes.
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 Americus, Ga., in 1976, Habitat has built more than 200,000 houses in nearly 100 countries, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than one million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.
