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ABCUSA: Habitat Seeks American Baptists For Hurricane Recovery 'Blitz Build'


From "Jayne, Andy" <Ajayne@ABC-USA.org>
Date Tue, 16 Jan 2007 12:46:07 -0500

VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 01/16/07)-American Baptist volunteers are being recruited to participate in a "blitz build" of 12 homes in Baton Rouge, La., that will provide permanent housing for those affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The effort, set for April 22 to May 5, 2007, will be part of the ongoing work of Habitat for Humanity, the ecumenical Christian housing ministry that has produced more than 150,000 homes worldwide since its founding 30 years ago.

More than 100 American Baptist volunteers will be needed each day of the two-week work period. Those aged 16 and older, either skilled or unskilled, are welcome. Volunteers aged 16-18 must provide a parent-signed release form, must be accompanied by an adult at all times on site, and are limited in work activities.

The project will be another opportunity for American Baptists to show their compassion and concern for victims of the devastating storms that hit in late summer 2005, according to Victoria J. Goff, National Ministries' national coordinator of Volunteer Ministries. "Helping place committed American Baptist volunteers in vital, quality-of-life situations is the vision of volunteer services," she said. "The Habitat ministry responds wonderfully to the Gospel call for compassionate support and fellowship, and we encourage American Baptists to take advantage of this specific opportunity to help those who want to reestablish quality housing in Baton Rouge."

The registration deadline for participants in the "blitz build" has been set for March 1, 2007. Costs will range from $50 to $100, plus transportation to and from Baton Rouge and to and from the work sites.

Habitat has partnered with more than 200,000 families around the world as it helps people build and buy their own homes. The future homeowners provide "sweat equity' during the building process and then purchase their homes through no-profit mortgages provided by local Habitat affiliates. Because of donated materials, financial support and volunteer labor, the monthly payments for those homes are minimized.

Habitat has committed to building at least 1,000 homes across the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast region by mid-summer 2007.

A volunteer packet containing all forms and information on schedules, meals, attire, transportation, safety guidelines and other particulars may be accessed either at www.nationalministries.org or mailed to applicants.

For additional information, contact: Victoria Goff, National Ministries, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; e-mail: victoria.goff@abc-usa.org; phone: 800-ABC-3USA x2449.

Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches, USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/


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