Special homebuilding alliance returns to Chaska this summer

Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial strengthen partnership

Minneapolis, MN - July 29, 2010 - On a brisk winter morning just weeks before Christmas, leaders from Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans gathered to celebrate the completion of the 2,000th home built through their four-year international alliance, Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity. That same afternoon, they framed walls to mark a new year of partnership, and on Monday, August 2, those walls are coming home as Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity begins construction in Chaska.

"This on-going partnership with Thrivent Builds has been so incredible for us, the families we serve and the communities in which we build. Thrivent has deepened the impact of our work in the Twin Cities, and for that, we are truly grateful," said Susan Haigh, President of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.

Chaska will mark the sixth community and eighth home built or rehabbed in the Twin Cities through the 2010 Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity partnership. Five homes are being built in Brooklyn Park (2), Oakdale, Shakopee and St. Paul, and two homes are being rehabbed in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

"As we rebuild fragile neighborhoods, we know all too well that there still exists a tremendous shortage of safe, decent and affordable housing – particularly in fast growing suburban regions. This partnership with Thrivent Builds helps make it possible for us to provide housing solutions that fit the unique needs of communities across the metro," said Haigh.

Over the past five years, Thrivent Builds has partnered with Twin Cities Habitat on 41 homes, providing close to $5 million in sponsorship dollars. As part of the sponsorship, ten percent of dollars received by TCHFH are tithed to Habitat International for its homebuilding efforts abroad. Worldwide, Thrivent Builds has built over 2,000 homes so far, and have clocked millions of volunteer hours. This is the third year the Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity alliance has built homes in Chaska.

About Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
The mission of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty housing from the Twin Cities and to make decent, affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience. An award-winning nonprofit housing developer, Twin Cities Habitat is committed to building the quality of life, health and economic prosperity of the region by producing, preserving and advocating for affordable homeownership – because homes and families are the foundation of successful communities. For more information, visit www.tchabitat.org.