Tuesday, July 22, 2008

For immediate release

Contact:  Ebonie Reid (ereid@habitatmartin.org)

772-223-9940

Jensen Beach, Florida—July 28, 2008.  Martin County youth embark on another week of Change Your World and learning about the working poor of Martin County.   The home of future Habitat family Martha LaFleur is now in the framing stage with the majority of work being done by the teenagers of Martin County.

From 8:30am until 12pm Monday through Friday, teens are learning valuable construction skills and in the afternoon from 1pm to 3pm the lesson curriculum takes place next door at the Jensen Beach Church of God.  The program is the first for Martin County, but has been so successful that it  will expand in 2009 to take place during Spring Break in addition to the summer weeks.

“Pastor Larry Bender and the staff of Jensen Beach Church of God have contributed many volunteer hours to the construction of this home, and letting us use the church to teach the lesson component.” says Ebonie Reid, Director of Volunteer Programs.  “We rely on financial and volunteer support from churches in Martin County and Jensen Beach Church of God has been our number one supporter for Change Your World.”

Martin County  Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that builds partnerships with volunteers, families, and the community to transform lives and revitalize neighborhoods by enabling families in need to own an affordable home. Habitat for Humanity has a unique organizational philosophy that maximizes the transformative effects of building and buying a home in Martin County.

Homeownership through Habitat is a ‘hand up’ not a ‘hand out’. Completed homes are sold to pre-selected families who are required to complete 300 sweat equity/volunteer hours and pay an affordable, no-interest mortgage back to Martin County Habitat for Humanity,  giving them a profound sense of ownership. All Habitat homes are built by community volunteers, which helps to keep costs low.

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