Volunteers will Build Affordable Homes in Long Beach September 8-9
Los Angeles, CA – September 8, 2017: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) and volunteers from different faith traditions will join hands to build homes and hope on September 8 and 9 to mark the 16th anniversary of the 9-11attacks. Interfaith volunteers will work side-by-side to help build four homes in Long Beach.
The Habitat LA Interfaith build days in Long Beach are part of a nationwide initiative launched by Habitat for Humanity International to bring together diverse faith communities to give a day of service in honor of those lost and those who rose in service. For Habitat for Humanity, the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance is about building homes, hope, peace and a better future.
“Building with Habitat unites people from different backgrounds in service to others and our community; values that are found in many faith traditions come to life on a Habitat build site,” says Erin Rank, President and CEO of Habitat LA. “There is no better way to observe the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance than by putting our faith into action and offering our interfaith community a tangible way to pay tribute to the victims and heroes of 9-11.”
Nearly every faith tradition will be represented throughout the two-day build. Volunteers include representatives from the Interreligious Council of Southern California; Milia Islam Majeed of South Coast Interfaith Council; Swami Mahayogananda of the Vedanta Society of Southern California; Kathleen Domingo and Molly Sheahan from the Office of Life, Justice and Peace of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles; as well as Steve and Judy Gilliland, Directors of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs in greater Los Angeles for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
9-11 was designated as a National Day of Service by the Kennedy Serve America Act. The Corporation for National and Community Service leads the annual event, working with hundreds of nonprofit groups, faith-based organizations, schools and businesses nationwide.
Habitat LA has built, renovated or repaired nearly 800 homes locally, helping to transform the lives of more than 4,000 Angelenos. By 2020, Habitat LA has a goal to invest $100 million into revitalizing neighborhoods and increasing access to affordable homeownership and home repair opportunities. This investment will benefit the local economy by building strong and stable homes in partnership with families, individuals, volunteers, municipalities and donors, which will bring strength and stability to local communities throughout greater Los Angeles.
About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. As the top nonprofit homebuilder in the greater Los Angeles area with five consecutive Charity Navigator 4-Star ratings, Habitat LA has partnered with volunteers, donors and Habitat homeowners to build, renovate and repair more than 1,300 homes locally and worldwide since 1990. The lives of thousands of individuals have been transformed as a result of having a decent and affordable place to call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes and pay an affordable mortgage. By supporting Habitat LA through volunteerism, donations and supporting affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the stability and self-reliance they need to build a better future. To learn more, visit dev.habitatla.org.
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Contacts:
Yvonne Lara
Habitat LA
310-508-5783
