$533,000 commitment is made through national alliance to build additional homes in U.S.

ORLANDO, FL – December 17, 2008 – (RealEstateRama) — Habitat Orlando was recently notified of the single largest commitment of financial support in its 22-year history: $462,000 from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, coupled with a $71,000 commitment from members of Thrivent Financial, Lutheran congregations, Lutheran schools and other supporters from throughout Central Florida.

This award was made through a national alliance between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International, called Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity. Since 2005, the alliance has helped build more than 1,000 homes across the country. In the coming year, Thrivent Builds will boost that number by awarding more than $24 million to 226 Habitat affiliates in 37 states. In total, the effort will help build 314 more Habitat homes for low-income families in the U.S.

The Habitat Orlando funding will be used to help build five of 58 townhomes at Staghorn Villas, a new multi-family community located on the corner of Silver Star Road and LeHavre Boulevard. The 3.9-acre community will feature 10 buildings with four to eight townhomes each, surrounded by green spaces and play areas.

In addition, Thrivent Financial encourages its members to volunteer to help build all of the homes at Staghorn Villas, in addition the five townhomes they are supporting. The Habitat Orlando partner families who will purchase the homes will also invest 300-500 hours of “sweat equity” in constructing their own homes.

“We are thrilled about this significant award from Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity,” said Dee Danmeyer, executive director of Habitat Orlando. “Together, Thrivent Financial and Habitat create a powerful example of how we, as a community, can work together to help eliminate poverty housing. The strong alliance we share puts more families into stable, affordable homes, which, in turn, demonstrates the positive impact that home ownership – and communities like Staghorn Villas – can have on individuals, families, neighborhoods and cities.”

Scott Morris, Managing Partner of the Thrivent Florida and Mid-South Regions, added, “We are very excited for this wonderful opportunity to continue our relationship with Habitat Orlando. It’s another great way for our Thrivent members and all the Lutheran congregations, schools and organizations in Central Florida to carry out our Thrivent Financial mission of improving the quality of life in our communities.”
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About Habitat for Humanity OrlandoHabitat for Humanity Orlando is a not-for-profit, ecumenical, Christian organization dedicated to transforming the lives of low-income, hard-working families through the American dream of homeownership. Rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, Habitat Orlando works together with local sponsors, donors and volunteers to build communities and build families throughout Central Florida. To learn more about Habitat Orlando or to make a donation, call (407) 648-4567 or visit www.habitat-orlando.org. 

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.5 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org. About Thrivent Builds with Habitat for HumanityThrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity is a $125 million alliance between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International to substantially increase Habitat’s capacity to build more housing.  Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity programs encompass financial, volunteer and advocacy components.  They seek to engage Thrivent members, Lutherans and their communities to build hundreds of homes annually with Habitat for Humanity across the country and around the world.  For more information, visit www.thriventbuilds.com.

About Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a not-for-profit financial services membership organization helping nearly 3 million members thrive in life. Thrivent Financial and its subsidiaries offer a broad range of financial products and services including life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, disability income insurance, bank products and more.  As a not-for-profit organization, Thrivent Financial brings its members together for social, educational and volunteer activities that support congregations, schools, charitable organizations and individuals in need. For more information, visit www.thrivent.com.  

For more information, please contact:

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans             
John Schultz                                                       
Lutheran Community Services Specialist – Thrivent Builds                                                 
(407) 682-0370                                                                                                              
john.schultz (at) thrivent (dot) com                                    

Habitat for Humanity Orlando
Molly Cook     
Account Executive  
(407) 657-4818    
mollycook (at) costadevault (dot) com