Monday, January 12, 2009

Stuart, Florida—January 12, 2009--Initiated by Congress in 1994, King Day of Service is a nationwide effort to transform the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. into a day of community service that helps solve community and social problems.  Habitat for Humanity of Martin County embraces the diversity of Martin County and people motivated to do things for others.  Without hesitation, the Chairperson of Martin County Democrats and members and the Chairperson of Martin County Republicans and their members are expanding on the urgency of now and are working together for the King Day of Service.

Dr. King recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals. As he once said, "Everybody can be great because everybody can serve." King Day of Service honors that legacy by seeking to transform the holiday from simply a day off from school or work for millions of Americans to a day ON–that is, a day of community service that will strengthen  our community, empowers individuals, and bridges social barriers.  Volunteers are the driving force of Habitat for Humanity of Martin County, requiring numerous hours to make home ownership possible for many families.

It was only fitting that Habitat for Humanity invited groups that represent different political arenas to come together and make poverty housing an act of conscience.  Join Habitat for Humanity of Martin County as we celebrate the Martin Luther King Day of National Service.   “It felt like we should celebrate Martin Luther King Day differently this year because it was so close to this year’s historic inauguration.  This inaugural challenge to set aside partisanship and unite the nation around shared values and ideals presented a unique opportunity for Habitat to bring together a group of people who can better serve our community by working together” said executive director, Michele Reilly.  All volunteers will meet in the Booker Park section of Indiantown working construction starting at 8:30am on January 19.  Sign up information is available at  www.habitatmartin.volunteerhub.com.

What has made this year’s celebration different?  Everything.  There’s the recent election.  Signaling hope, energy, and collaboration millions of Americans have discovered their voice and strength as members of the community.  Also add the historical component.  As part of his “Renew America Together” initiative, the President-elect wants to ignite the spirit of service in our nation by asking all Americans to make a lasting pledge to serve their communities.  The day after the King Day of Service, Americans will join with the world in inaugurating America’s first black President.  As a product of mixed racial and national heritage,  the President-elect is an embodiment of King’s dream of a Beloved Community.

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 is currently one of the only providers of homeownership opportunities to working families at 25%-50% median family income (approximately $14,000 - $34,000 for a family of four).  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, keeping costs low.

To learn more about this event please contact Ebonie Reid at 772-223-9940 or ereid@habitatmartin.org.

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