Los Angeles, CA — September 29, 2014: Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) commemorated the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance with a series of build events that brought together veterans and active military, as well as communities from nearly every faith tradition, to help build four new homes in Lynwood between September 10th and 13th.
9/10: Veterans Build Day – Veterans and active military were among the volunteers who built with Habitat LA during this special build day. Also in attendance was Halley Burnett, the daughter of Tom Burnett, who was one of the “Let’s roll” heroes of hijacked United flight 93. Ms. Burnett shared her story, as did other volunteers, during an emotional lunch break.
9/11 through 9/13: Interfaith Build Days – Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, and Sikh volunteers as well as Christians represented by Catholics, Protestants and Latter Day Saints built side-by-side for three days. Special guest volunteers included Milia Islam Majeed of South Coast Interfaith Council and Father Alexei Smith of Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
9/25: Holland & Knight Build Day – Lawyers and other employees from the law firm’s LA offices volunteered as a way of commemorating 9/11 and honoring a Holland & Knight attorney who was killed in the attacks.
“The week was filled with inspiration and heartfelt emotion,” said Erin Rank, president and CEO of Habitat LA. “At a time when we remember those lost thirteen years ago, it’s wonderful that our mission can bring together those who serve as well as diverse faith and spiritual traditions to build hope and homes for local families in need.”
This is the first time Habitat for Humanity International has launched a nationwide interfaith initiative as part of the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Throughout the U.S., Habitat for Humanity affiliates joined hundreds of other organizations for the Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.
September 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 MyGoodDeed and hundreds of nonprofit groups, faith-based organizations, schools and businesses nationwide.
About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) strives to eliminate substandard housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families and individuals in need to build decent, sustainable and affordable housing. Since 1990, Habitat LA has built and repaired more than 1,000 homes locally and worldwide, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals. Habitat LA is a GuideStar® Valued Partner and has achieved the coveted Charity Navigator 4-Star rating awarded to non-profits for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. For more information, please visit http://dev.habitatla.org or call 310-323-4663.
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 and developing community solutions through AmeriCorps, including VISTA and NCCC, Senior Corps, Social Innovation Fund, and other programs, and leads the President’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.
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Media Contacts:
Jo-An Turman
Habitat LA
C: 310-749-6613
jturman@dev.habitatla.org
Angela Moore
Starfish PR
C: 310-429-8868
angela@starfish-pr.com