Habitat for Humanity achieves No. 8 on the 'Builder 100' list

GAITHERSBURG, MD (August 4, 2010) – May, 2010 marked a historic month for Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliates. Habitat achieved the rank of No. 8 on Builder magazine’s Builder 100 list, marking the first time the nonprofit has been among the top 10 biggest builders in the United States.

“Habitat for Humanity affiliates have been working in more than 1,500 communities in the U.S. to ensure that more than 5,200 families had a new or renovated affordable home to live in last year,” said Mark Andrews, senior director of U.S. Operations for Habitat for Humanity International. “We could not have accomplished this work without the sustained support of local leaders, volunteers and donors.”

In 2009, Habitat affiliates in the U.S. rehabilitated 710 homes, up from 621 homes in 2008. Around the world, Habitat for Humanity helped 61,005 low-income families by building 23,657 new homes and rehabilitating or repairing 37,348 homes. In Montgomery County, MD, 13 vacant foreclosed homes were rehabilitated in the last 12 months through Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County’s (HFH-MC) Neighborhood Revitalization Program. Green building techniques such as enhanced insulation, draft stopping, Low E windows and Energy Star appliances contribute to energy savings. Homes are re-sold to low-income families with a long term zero interest mortgage. Homeowners must contribute a minimum of 200 hours of “sweat equity” prior to purchasing their home.

“Achieving the rank of No. 8 on Builder magazine’s Builder 100 list demonstrates the focus and commitment that Habitat affiliates throughout the country have to eliminating poverty housing” said John Paukstis, HFH-MC Executive Director.

Builder magazine’s annual Builder 100 List compiles data provided by the nation’s builders, including their closings. To view the complete Builder 100 List visit Builder magazine’s website at http://www.builderonline.com/builder100/2009.aspx

About Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County MD (HFH-MC)

HFH-MC is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Since 1982, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County has been partnering with the community to build simple, decent, affordable housing for low-income families. In the last 4 years, HFH-MC has built or rehabilitated 37 homes for local families and has several more homes in progress. HFH-MC supports the notion that good, stable housing matters for neighborhoods. Better quality of living leads to stronger citizens and families. Habitat for Humanity is about changing lives, one home at a time. Visit our website at www.habitat- mc.org