By Anne Walters, Director of Development

This year, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has given new meaning to "corporate generosity." Already one of Habitat for Humanity's largest supporters through the $105 million Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity alliance, Thrivent Financial has announced an increase in this four-year commitment to $125 million. Of that amount, $23.2 million will be used in 2008 to build 322 Habitat homes in 42 states. Additionally in 2008, the alliance will support more than 200 volunteer teams that will help build homes on the Gulf Coast and abroad.

Locally, Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity has been awarded $390,244, or 65 percent of the funds necessary, to build 3 homes in 2008 through the alliance, and will complete five additional homes throughout Central Minnesota for a total of 8 family homes in 2008. The three Thrivent Builds homes are Foley, Monticello, and St. Cloud. These family homes will be built by area volunteers, of whom at least one-half will be Lutheran and one-fourth will be Thrivent Financial members. Construction will begin in 2008 once the funds and in-kind building materials are secured.

"This is our third year of working with Thrivent Builds," said Bruce Regan, Interim Executive Director of Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity. "The generosity of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has been and is instrumental to our growth of serving more families by providing safe, decent, and affordable housing. We are especially excited to work with the new community of Foley."

Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity brings together two national nonprofit networks of more than 1,600 Habitat affiliates and 1,362 Thrivent volunteer chapters. The need for an effort of this magnitude is great.

** According to Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing in 2007, nearly half of low-income U.S. households-more than 13 million families-pay more than 50 percent of their income on housing.
** Millions more live in overcrowded conditions or housing with severe physical deficiencies, such as having no hot water, electricity or toilet.

If your business, church, or you personally would like to become involved as a volunteer or sponsor for Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity's three Thrivent Builds homes, please contact Church Relations VISTA Volunteer, Bethany Kuehne, at 320-656-8890 ext. 6 or at e-mail her at bkuehne@cmhfh.org. To learn more, visit www.thriventbuilds.com