Project Postponement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 21, 2008




Contact: Sarah McMillian
Development Coordinator
Office: 913.342.3047
sarah@heartlandhabitat.org


HEARTLAND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TO POSTPONE CONSTRUCTION OF AFFORDABLE HOMES DUE TO LACK OF FUNDING

August 21, 2008 – Kansas City, Kansas – Heartland Habitat for Humanity announced Monday that they were potentially faced with postponing two major projects, the 2008 Women Build and 2008 Youth Build, due to a lack of funding. Both projects, scheduled to begin this fall, struggle to raise the funds needed to build the homes. It is expected that they will now begin in early spring, 2009.

Heartland Habitat Executive Director Tom Lally said he sees this as both a hurdle and an opportunity. “It’s difficult to tell two very deserving families with an immediate housing need that it’s going to be several more months until we can help them build and purchase a home. At the same time, this creates a chance for us to reach more people to seek funding and involvement, and in doing so spread our mission even further.”

“The slowing economy has affected the amount of donations we receive,” said HHFH Development Director Delia Hernandez. “We know the need in our community is great, and we will continue serving our community despite these projects being temporarily put on hold.” Hernandez said she expects that through creative community outreach the needed funds will be available in time for the projects to begin in early 2009. She also asked that anyone interested in making a donation please contact the Heartland Habitat for Humanity office.

Heartland Habitat for Humanity builds homes using volunteer labor, donated funds and donated materials. The homes are sold to qualifying partner families with no profit and affordable 0% interest loans. Mortgage payments are invested back into the program, helping to build additional new homes across Heartland’s target areas. Homeowners are required to invest 350 hours of sweat equity in the construction of their homes, partnering with other families and completing homeowner education classes.

To make a gift of time or money, please contact Heartland Habitat at 913-342-3047.

About Heartland Habitat for Humanity
Heartland Habitat for Humanity was formed in 2006 from a merger between Northland Habitat for Humanity and Kaw Valley Habitat for Humanity. Serving Clay and Platte counties in Missouri, and Wyandotte, Johnson and Leavenworth counties in Kansas, Heartland’s mission is to build simple, decent homes and communities in partnership with God’s people in need while following biblical principles.

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1401 Fairfax Traffic Way, Suite 323D • Kansas City, KS 66115 • www.heartlandhabitat.org
913-342-3047 (Office) • 913-342-4459 (Fax)