Apr 18 2005
Thanks to the generosity and goodwill of home builders, Faye Harrison, her daughter Ebony, and granddaughter Antonia L. Dorsey will soon experience the joy of homeownership. Today, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) teamed up with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) and the DC Habitat for Humanity to work on Ms. Harrison's Habitat house, which is being sponsored by NAHB. Members of NAHB's Board of Directors, member home builders and their spouses participated in the NAHB Family Build Day, which took place at 232 55th St., NE.
"NAHB is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity to help the Harrison family realize their dream of homeownership" said NAHB President Dave Wilson, a custom home builder from Ketchum, Idaho. "My wife Trish and I, along with many NAHB members and local associations, believe in Habitat's mission and are pleased to work with them in building affordable homes across the country."
NAHB and HFHI have enjoyed a long-standing relationship and work in communities to provide affordable housing opportunities to families in need. In its third year, the NAHB Family Day Build is held in conjunction with the association's Spring Board of Directors Meeting, which takes place annually in Washington, DC. As part of their community service efforts, NAHB members and state and local home builder associations participate in builds, conduct fundraising activities, make financial contributions and donate materials to support Habitat for Humanity. NAHB is also a national underwriter of Habitat for Humanity's Congress Building America Program, which seeks to educate members of Congress on the nation's affordable housing needs by encouraging partnerships between legislators and Habitat affiliates.
"NAHB is a long-time close and valuable partner to Habitat" said Tom Jones, vice president, HFHI Washington Office, an extension of HFHI executive offices. "The two organizations continue to work together toward providing housing for all."
Carol Casperson, executive director, DC Habitat for Humanity expressed her gratitude for NAHB's contribution and the work of the organization's volunteers. She explained that Ms. Harrison has been living in a public housing community in the northeast neighborhood and is very happy to be buying her own home. The Harrison's three-bedroom house is one of 53 single-family units that will be built at the 4.3 acre Habitat site. To date, 12 homes have been completed and sold to low-income working families and seven more are under construction, including the Harrison home.