May 14, 2012
HFHMGC AmeriCorps members to participate in annual weeklong blitz build in Pensacola

By Adele Lyons

GULFPORT, MS (May 14, 2012) – Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast (HFHMGC) AmeriCorps National and VISTA members will travel to Pensacola, FL to participate in Habitat for Humanity International’s annual AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon.

This year’s build will engage more than 400 AmeriCorps members from 36 states during the week of May 14 and will highlight local community needs for affordable housing and the members’ service with Habitat.  There are eleven AmeriCorps members serving with HFHMGC.  The members are Joy Bouder, Ray Clemo, Nolan Corlett, Kat DaSilva, Matt Delcalzo, Jermaine Long, Darrell Meier, Kenya Miniard, Josh Morris, Genie Talbert and Jimmie Webb.  

This year’s Build-a-Thon events are being hosted by Habitat affiliates in Dallas, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, and Pensacola, Fla. These four affiliates are among the seven partnering with Habitat for Humanity International on the second phase of the federally funded Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The program partners with state and local governments and nonprofits to help reverse the decline in neighborhoods severely affected by foreclosures and abandonment. Habitat for Humanity International was awarded NSP2 funds by HUD for seven Habitat affiliates in five states — California, Florida, New York, Texas and Wisconsin — to provide housing solutions for more than 1,000 families.

“We value the work our AmeriCorps members do for our organization and our community.  Having been the host site for the AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon in 2007, we know what a great event it is for the members”, said Chris Monforton, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  

Work at the Build-a-Thon locations will include new house construction and rehabilitation of homes with families in need, while highlighting “green building” techniques which help make houses more energy-efficient and affordable. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the service of these dedicated AmeriCorps members and their commitment to helping low-income families in need of affordable housing,” said Patrick Corvington, Habitat for Humanity International’s senior vice president of Volunteer and Institutional engagement. “Habitat’s Build-a-Thon allows us to showcase the pivotal role AmeriCorps members play in our ability to serve communities across the U.S.”

Habitat has partnered with the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that funds and oversees AmeriCorps programs since 1994. Currently, Habitat for Humanity has a network of more than 550 Habitat AmeriCorps members serving nationwide. In 2011, 700 Habitat AmeriCorps members helped serve 3,000 families in more than 200 communities across 39 states. They contributed more than 1.2 million hours of service, mobilized more than 250,000 volunteers to build, rehabilitate or repair homes and raised nearly $5 million for local house building and community development efforts.

About Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast was formed in January 2007 when Harrison County HFH and HFH of Jackson County merged organizations. Since then, HFHMGC has incorporated Stone County into its service area and has constructed or repaired more than 490 homes. HFHMGC works in partnership with community stakeholders to create innovative, sustainable housing solutions by empowering all members of our community to actively participate in creating opportunity for people to transform their own lives. To learn more, visit www.hfhmgc.org or follow us at www.facebook.com/hfhmgc or www.twitter.com/hfhmgc

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 500,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat’s blog community at www.habitat.org/blog .

About Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps Programs
Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps members have performed more than 10 million hours of service, engaged nearly 2 million volunteers and helped serve more than 12,500 families throughout the United States. For information about AmeriCorps programs, visit www.habitat.org/americorps or www.americorps.gov.

About the Corporation for National and Community Service
The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America and the Social Innovation Fund, and leads President Obama’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

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